NOTTINGHAM FOREST and Sheffield United are battling it out to sign Everton defender Mason Holgate on loan.
Toffees boss Sean Dyche has allowed Holgate, 26, to move on a temporary basis as he reshapes his squad.
GettyMason Holgate is wanted by Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United[/caption]
Hard-up Everton are keen to cut their wage bill and ease their financial worries.
Versatile Holgate, who can play centre-back, right-back as well as central midfield, was wanted by Prem side Forest before then Blues manager Frank Lampard was sacked and replaced by Dyche in January.
Forest will be keen on improving their defensive record from last season in which they conceded 68 goals in the Premier League.
However, the club will need to shift some players first following their hectic transfer activity over the last year.
Top-flight newboys Sheffield United aim to bolster their squad after winning promotion from the Championship.
The Blades finished second in the second tier but only conceded four more goals than titles winners Burnley.
Holgate still has two years left on his contract but he has struggled for first-team football at Goodison Park.
He only made nine appearances in all competitions last season and fell down the pecking order so Dyche is ready to give him the chance to make a fresh start.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Holgate was Everton’s Players’ Player of the Year under Carlo Ancelotti in 2020.
In the January transfer window, Holgate was wanted by Leeds as well as Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.
He has also previously been linked with a move to West Ham.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football