Holgate having WBA medical

Everton’s Mason Holgate has undergone a medical ahead of a potential loan move to West Bromwich Albion, according to Sky Sports.

The defender, who controversially accused Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino of racism 12 months ago with no evidence, has found his game-time non-existent this season, after the arrivals of manager Marco Silva and defenders Kurt Zouma and Yerry Mina. The Toffees have reportedly been open to loan offers for some time now, and West Brom have apparently beaten Leeds United to secure his services for the rest of 2018/19.

The 22-year-old started out at Barnsley and moved to Goodison Park in 2015, but he didn’t play at all in his first season there. He made 42 appearances over the next two campaigns and that remains his total in an Everton shirt. Being only 22, game-time is of huge imporrtance for his development and with the Merseyside club reluctant to give up on him permanently, a loan move makes perfect sense.