Mason Holgate Refuses To Transfer To Rangers Because He Wants Two Things From His Future Team.

 

Mason Holgate has already told Rangers what they must do if they are to land him in the January window with chatter swirling over a move to Ibrox.

Reports south of the border claim Everton boss Sean Dyche is preparing to cut the defender’s loan spell at Southampton short next month as he has managed just five appearances so far this season, the last of which came on November 11. Rangers are said to be among a cluster of clubs “waiting in the wings” to strike a temporary deal with the 27-year-old and bring him to the Scottish Premiership.

Holgate has struggled to claim a regular spot at Goodison Park and openly admitted after making the move to St Mary’s that he didn’t feel like boss Dyche would be likely to give him another chance – opening the door for a second loan exit this term. Holgate told BBC Radio Solent last month that increasing his game time was essential – which he has failed to do at the Saints.

It could be a vital promise Philippe Clement must make to land the England under-21 cap. Holgate said: “Obviously, the manager changed, Frank left and Sean came in, and I didn’t really feel part of his plans. I think he’ll probably say himself, I wasn’t quite his style of player. He was open and honest about it and told me himself, which is all you can ask for.

“Everyone’s got different ways of playing and I understand I’m quite a niche centre-half, so that’s fine. I’m just all about going and getting minutes, I just want to play football.”

He also opened up on his versatility – having been deployed across the back four and in midfield while at the Toffees. Holgate is now looking focus on being a centre-back – a door which Rangers could open with both Ben Davies and John Souttar struggling to nail down the role as Connor Goldson’s partner at the heart of the Light Blues’ backline.

He explained: “Looking back at my time at Everton, it definitely worked against me because I’d get into a rhythm of games and then someone would get injured, so I’d move position. Then I might not have my best game because I can play there but it’s not my actual position and you’re judged off that.

“It’s something that I’ve always been very eager to get away from and nail down just playing as a centre-back. It’s a catch 22 because it doesn’t help me but if the team requires you to play somewhere, you’re not going to turn around and say you don’t want to do it.”