Leeds United have reportedly made an enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Holgate's season so far

After starting his team's opening four games of the Premier League season, a knee injury kept the £70k-per-week defender out of action for a couple of months. However, since recovering from that body blow in October, the 26-year-old has not been able to get back in the team.

Now that the January transfer window is around the corner, the Whites' director of football Victor Orta has made moves behind the scenes over a potential transfer for the player.

The Latest: Leeds make Holgate enquiry

According to a recent report from The Sun, Leeds have enquired about the availability of Holgate, who 'could be available when the transfer window reopens in January due to Everton's financial plight'.

The report adds that Ligue 1 outfit Lyon have also expressed an interest in the centre-back.

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The Verdict: He'd be a useful signing

Even though he hasn't had much league action this season, Holgate’s performances whenever he has played were impressive enough for him to be listed as Everton’s second-highest rated outfield player according to WhoScored, having earned an overall rating of 6.85/10.

In addition, the Englishman finds himself in the top five players at Goodison Park for his average of tackles (two), interceptions (1.5), clearances (5.5) and blocks (0.5) per match in the current campaign.

Previously hailed by Duncan Ferguson as an "outstanding" player, the 26-year-old could be a useful prospective signing for Leeds from a defensive point of view, given how only three teams have conceded more goals than the Whites in the Premier League this season (26).

Bearing in mind how Everton manager Frank Lampard has the likes of Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane at his disposal as centre-back options, perhaps allowing Holgate to leave in January would be a viable option for the Merseyside club without diminishing their squad all that much.