Pundit tips Rangers to sign Everton defender Mason Holgate in January ahead of Middlesbrough and Watford
Carlton Palmer believes Rangers are the favourites to sign Everton defender Mason Holgate in January with his Southampton loan set to be cancelled.
The defender joined the Saints on a season-long loan in the summer but has struggled to play regularly and could now be recalled by the Toffees and sent elsewhere to play more.
Middlesbrough, Watford and Rangers have all been linked (The Sun, 11 December) but when asked by Football League World (13 December) about the situation Palmer believed Rangers could be “too big a draw” for the Championship clubs to compete with.
“Middlesbrough and Watford join the race with Glasgow Rangers for Mason Holgate, who’s currently on loan from Southampton,” Palmer said when speaking exclusively to Football League World.
“As things stand, Everton are currently planning to recall Holgate in January as he’s struggled to secure first-team football at St Mary’s – he’s made just five appearances and not performed to his true potential.
“Holgate was heavily criticised for his Southampton debut against Sunderland in September and the player himself admitted he was out of his depth.
“Middlesbrough are in urgent need of defensive cover and Holgate at 27 has got Premier League experience.
“Wherever he goes, Everton will want to see him playing, but the opportunity to join Glasgow Rangers might prove too big a draw than Middlesbrough or Watford.”
Huge
Everton are a big club, as are Middlesbrough and Watford have been in the Premier League plenty in recent seasons, but Rangers are a different level.
Consistently competing for league titles and trophies, playing in Europe every season and building a squad that is challenging once again is the task at hand for Philippe Clement in January.
Holgate hasn’t been playing much for Southampton and it seems as though a transfer could well happen with that loan being cancelled, and Holgate would fit in well at Ibrox.
He’s experienced, good on the ball, physical, versatile and cheap, which means he ticks a lot of the boxes needed to become a Rangers player this winter.
He’d have tough competition for places with Connor Goldson, Ben Davies, John Souttar and Leon Balogun all in that position too but if he backs himself and feels he’s good enough then there’s no reason why he wouldn’t choose us over England’s second division.
In other Rangers news, international aces to be axed in 3 changes for predicted XI v Real Betis.