Soccer Football - Premier League - Everton v Nottingham Forest - Goodison Park, Liverpool, Britain - August 20, 2022 Everton's Mason Holgate in action with Nottingham Forest's Lewis O'Brien Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Nottingham Forest are ‘working on a deal’ to sign versatile Everton defender Mason Holgate, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Cooper eyeing January moves…
Forest manager Steve Cooper has already been boosted with the winter additions of Chris Wood, Danilo and Gustavo Scarpa as, despite a very busy summer, the club continue to stock up in January.
Amid their goal to maintain their Premier League status after 23 years of exile, the Reds are reportedly eyeing even more fresh faces before the looming January 31st deadline.
Forest are among the division’s most fragile teams in terms of conceding goals, leading the club to potentially look for defensive options to bring in.
The Latest: Forest ‘working on a deal’ for Holgate…
As per journalist Pete O’Rourke, writing for Football Insider, it appears that Forest are attempting to strike an agreement for Holgate.
The versatile ace – who can play at centre-back, full-back and in defensive midfield – is of interest to Cooper’s side, and it is believed that the Reds made contact with Everton over his signature.
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The Verdict: Good option…
Described in the Football Insider report as a ‘proven’ top-flight operator (122 appearances), a big reason as to why Forest are so keen on him, we believe that the 26-year-old could come as a good option to pursue.
His versatility is an obvious plus point, and despite his lack of game-time, he did play a crucial role in keeping Everton up last season. Indeed, Holgate started each of their final seven games of 2021/22 as they finished the league campaign with 10 points from a possible 21, duly retaining their top-flight status.
As per WhoScored, he also ranked among their top five players for clearances made, successful blocks and aerial duels won per 90 over the previous Premier League season.
While he is perhaps not a superstar signing to make, he could be the kind of prospective addition which may hugely benefit Cooper’s backline.
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