Confirmed: Everton agree five-year contract to steal in and sign Man Utd defender target

Mason Holgate has signed a five-year contract with Everton

EVERTON have signed Mason Holgate from Barnsley on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

 

The highly-rated defender has been linked with Manchester United but the Toffees have stolen in to sign the 18-year-old.

He made 22 appearances for the Tykes after making his debut for the club last December.

 

Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Holgate has a very bright future

Manager Roberto Martinez has already spoken of his admiration for the player and is delighted to have completed the signing.

"With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn’t want to lose out. He is a young man with a very impressive future," he said.

 

“I feel that we are the perfect place in order for Mason to develop into a top footballer. I know that he is a player who can bring us something quite unique, so we are excited about that possibility, even though he is one for the future rather than now.”

The news will fuel rumours that John Stones could now leave the club, with United and Chelsea known to retain an interest.

However, Martinez has reiterated his stance, claiming the England international is not for sale.