Sky Sports reported on Sunday that Everton defender Mason Holgate was undergoing a medical at West Bromwich Albion ahead of a loan deal in January.
Holgate’s loan to the Championship high-flyers is an excellent move for the 22-year-old, offering the defender opportunities to impress in a promotion race while chances are limited at Goodison Park.
Under Marco Silva, Holgate has struggled to consistently break into the first team, making just six appearances in all competitions this season, with his last Premier League appearance coming in September.
For a player in his early twenties, Holgate needs consistent playing time and will be desperate for the chance to ply his trade on the pitch.
The switch to the Hawthorns represents an astute short-term fix, granting Holgate the chance to fight for a spot in a Baggies side that is currently in the play-off spots.
Promotion races are a superb experience to be a part of for a young footballer, and under the tutelage of Darren Moore, Holgate’s defensive skills could see a marked improvement.
When Mason Holgate reportedly swaps Merseyside for the Midlands in January, the young Everton defender will be granted a chance to gain promotion with West Brom and impress Marco Silva with first-team minutes.