Report: Manchester City eye Everton defender Mason Holgate, could offer John Stones in deal

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Everton defender Mason Holgate has reportedly emerged on the radar of Manchester City.

According to the Mirror, Man City are weighing up a summer swoop for the 23-year-old in the summer transfer window and he’s considered a realistic target.

It is understood that the Toffees centre-back is valued at around £30million and the Merseyside club want to reward him with a new contract at Goodison Park, but Pep Guardiola’s team could try tempt him away.

Man City may sit second in the league table and are in the Champions League last-16 against Real Madrid, but they have had their problems at the back this season and want at least two defensive signings.

The report adds that Man City could try offer John Stones back to his former club Everton as part of a deal to try sign Holgate.

Stones completed a £47.5million (BBC) moved to the Etihad Stadium from Everton back in 2016, but he’s managed just 18 appearances across all competitions this season and has fallen far down the centre-back pecking order.

TBR’s View:

Holgate has arguably been the most consistent defender at Everton this season and they should do everything to keep hold of him amid interest.

He’s been a regular under manager Carlo Ancelotti and is a youngster that has really started to mature this campaign into a classy operator at Premier League level.

It would be a remarkable story for Stones to return to Goodison and he is a ball-playing centre-back that would fit the Ancelotti philosophy despite his recent struggles.

But Holgate shouldn’t be sacrificed to try bring the 25-year-old back, as he’s developing into a serious talent at Everton and can have a big future with them.