
Everton
Premier League • England
Everton flop Dyche doesn’t rate ‘keen’ on Southampton move; Toffees sign Leeds winger with tempting clause

Southampton linked Everton centre-back Mason Holgate
Everton centre-back Mason Holgate is reportedly ‘keen’ on joining Southampton this summer, with the two clubs ‘in talks’ over a loan deal.
The 26-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Goodison Park and made just eight appearances in the Premier League last season.
Sean Dyche clearly doesn’t trust Holgate, despite him being a key player for Everton during the tenure of Carlo Ancelotti in particular.
Dyche has previously described his Toffees squad as ‘unbalanced’ and the centre-back is one player he is happy to part ways with.
Now, according to Sky Sports, Everton and Southampton are in talks over a loan deal for Holgate, with the player ‘keen’ on making the switch to St Marys.
Southampton are expected to part ways with James Ward-Prowse imminently and Romeo Lavia before the transfer window closes. So, they will have plenty of transfer funds to play with.
Nevertheless, it seems they are only willing to sign Holgate on loan, despite Everton preferring a permanent sale. There remains a ‘big gap’ in the wages that Southampton are willing to contribute, however, with the defender earning around £72k per week at Goodison Park.
Other clubs are interested in Holgate, but there is a belief that a deal can be struck between Everton and Southampton.
Everton secure Jack Harrison signature
Meanwhile, Everton have just secured their fourth signing of the transfer window.
According to a separate report from Sky Sports, Leeds United winger Jack Harrison has signed for the Toffees on a season-long loan.
The 26-year-old has a release clause in his Leeds contract ‘that can be invoked during his loan spell.’ Everton are interested in signing Harrison permanently so it’s likely they will try and do so if his loan goes well this season.
As reported by TEAMtalk, Aston Villa were also interested in signing Harrison but were put off by his current injury, which will rule him out for the next three to four weeks.
Dyche is still keen on bringing in more players before the transfer window closes. Another Leeds winger, Wilfried Gnonto, is one of Everton’s top targets. He is currently refusing to play for the Whites as he tries to force through a move to Merseyside.
The Toffees are also looking to sign a centre-forward. Neal Maupay is in shocking goalscoring form, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems still haven’t gone away.
With that in mind, it’s going to be a very busy few weeks for Dyche and Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.
READ MORE: A full list of every completed Premier League transfer in the 2023 summer transfer window