RACE FOR MAS Leeds and Lyon make transfer enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate with Toffees needing to raise funds

LEEDS have enquired about Everton defender Mason Holgate.

Posted Friday, December 23, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

And SunSport understands Ligue 1 outfit Lyon have also expressed an interest in the Toffees centre-back.

RACE FOR MAS Leeds and Lyon make transfer enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate with Toffees needing to raise funds
Both Leeds and Lyon have expressed an interest in signing Holgate Credit: Getty

Holgate, 26, started three of Everton's first four league games under Frank Lampard this season before sustaining a knee injury at Brentford.

But the ex-England Under-21 international, who can also play right-back, could be available when the transfer window reopens in January due to Everton's financial plight.

Lampard has an overload of defenders in Conor Coady, James Tarkowski, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane while Everton are also keen to trim their wage bill.

Holgate played a major part under Lampard in the club's successful fight against relegation from the top-flight last season.

But his strong start to this campaign was cut short after picking up a knee problem in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.

Coady and Tarkowski struck up a partnership in Holgate's absence and his only appearance since then came in the 4-1 Carabao Cup loss at Bournemouth last month.

But Holgate, who is under contract with Everton under June 2025, is fully fit for the festive period and ready to kick-start his career.

Ahead of the Prem resumption on Boxing Day, Everton lie 17th in the table and just one point above the drop zone.

The Toffees will take on Wolves next week as they look to climb up the league table.

Lampard has been granted some good news in the build-up to the clash, with star man Anthony Gordon close to completing a new deal.

The 21-year-old is expected to sign a lucrative long-term contract with the club.