Over the summer, Everton made strengthening central defence a priority with it being an area of the squad that manager Marco Silva had concerns about following his arrival at the club.

Since then, both Yerry Mina and Kurt Zouma have been brought in to sort things out in that department, though the addition of the pair has not come without its consequences.

The Breakdown

Mason Holgate has now been pushed down the pecking order at Goodison Park, as a result, and a temporary spell away from the club now looks certain.

According to Sky Sports, Everton are willing to let the 22-year-old leave Silva's squad on loan once the January transfer window opens in a move that would make much sense for all parties involved.

With Mina and Zouma now at the club and Michael Keane's form having drastically improved this term, getting back into the side will be almost impossible for £6.3m-rated (Transfermarkt) Holgate, making a loan stint ideal as he looks to find more game time.

As for Everton, they get to keep a promising English centre-half on their books and the chance to reintegrate him into the squad next season, fresh from playing regularly, should there be a need for another player in that position for whatever reason.

All in all, some time away from Everton would do Holgate no harm considering the current predicament he finds himself in