Everton close in on teenage sensation as Mason Holgate set to join 'golden generation'

Mason Holgate is on the verge of completing his move to Everton from Barnsley

EVERTON expect to complete the signing of Barnsley teenager Mason Holgate today with Roberto Martinez claiming he will join the club’s “golden generation.”

 

Holgate had been due to move to Bournemouth, but that deal collapsed and Everton are poised to seal a £1m transfer.

The 18-year-old, who can play at right-back or centre-back, had a trial at Manchester United earlier this summer and Martinez believes the potential deal is a coup.

 

Boss Roberto Martinez believes Holgate is a leader and a good signing for the future

He will join the likes of John Stones, Ross Barkley and Brendan Galloway as well as Kieran Dowell, Anthony Evans and Liam Walsh at Goodison Park, and Martinez said: “Mason is 18-years-old and we are hoping to conclude it.

“He has already played 20 games in League One. It shows the potential that he has.

“We would be delighted to be able to do that deal. We have agreed terms with Barnsley and it would be a phenomenal young prospect coming into that golden generation we feel we have at this football club.

 

“It would be a good one for the future.”

Holgate will follow in the footsteps of Stones, who moved to Everton from Barnsley in 2013 but Martinez played down comparisons.

“He is different to John Stones,” said Martinez. “Mason is a completely different player to John but in terms of personality, character and focus they are very similar

“They are both clear in what they want to achieve. They are both leaders. That is the only comparison.”

Martinez, meanwhile, has reiterated that Stones is not for sale with Chelsea’s continuing to court the England defender.