EVERTON want to recall Mason Holgate from his loan spell at Southampton due to a lack of game time.
Holgate, 27, has made just five appearances for the Saints since his season-long move in August.
GettyEverton want to recall Mason Holgate[/caption]
The talented Toffees defender made his last outing – only his second start – in a man-of-the-match display against West Brom last month.
But SunSport understands Everton want the versatile star, who can play in defence or midfield, to be playing more regularly.
And the Merseysiders could terminate his stay on the south coast and allow him to find a new club in January.
Championship duo Middlesbrough and Watford as well as Scottish giants Rangers are waiting in the wings should Everton boss Sean Dyche call him back.
Ex-England Under-21 centre-back Holgate, who has a contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2025, has played just 289 minutes of first-team action for Southampton.
Saints boss Russell Martin, whose side are fourth in the Championship, has lined up Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis at the heart of his defence.
Everton currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, four points above the relegation zone.
The Toffees were hit with a 10-point deduction last month for breaching profit and sustainability rules.
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They immediately fell to 19th in the table, but have since registered three consecutive wins.
Dyche’s side cruised to a 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.