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:
Masons a great young talent and Id like to think hed stay at the club to play regular football, but its up to the player. Theres no secret theres 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. All young players have aspirations to play at the highest level and Im sure Mason is no different.
Holgate can play right-back and centre-back and looks to be a very promising young talent.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
