Newcastle Attempt To Hijack Bid For Highly-Rated Defender

The Magpies have joined the race to sign Barnsley's Mason Holgate.

By Matt Smith /

Newcastle United have made a bid for Barnsley's Mason Holgate as they attempt to hijack Bournemouth's attempt to land the 18-year-old's signature, according to the Daily Mail. Eddie Howe's side are in the process of agreeing terms with the defender and are close to signing him for around £1 million.The Mail have reported that Everton are also monitoring the highly-rated youngster and have made a late bid for Holgate who has been training with Manchester United recently. The Cherries are said to have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the Doncaster-born defender today but he has gathered the attention of a host of Premier League clubs. The Magpies are hoping that a late-bid could bring the versatile player to St James' Park as they look to improve on their ageing defence. During the 2014-15 campaign, when Holgate made his debut, the defender appeared 22 times in all competitions, netting once. Barnsley boss Lee Johnson said:
€œMason€™s a great young talent and I€™d like to think he€™d stay at the club to play regular football, but it€™s up to the player. €œThere€™s no secret there€™s been a lot of interest and speculation about Mason. I just want him to play his football and continue where he left off last season, but interest from Premier League clubs turns your head. €œAll young players have aspirations to play at the highest level €“ and I€™m sure Mason is no different.€
Holgate can play right-back and centre-back and looks to be a very promising young talent.