West Ham lodge transfer enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate amid Aguerd absence

West Ham United have made an enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate as they seek cover for Nayef Aguerd, according to a report.

Aguerd was West Ham’s first signing of the summer, but he has already had to undergo surgery on an ankle issue. His absence will likely last for a number of months, potentially even into 2023. With that in mind, David Moyes may want to find an additional recruit for the backline.

A departure for Issa Diop – who is a target for Fulham – is already on hold. But if West Ham can get someone else in at the London Stadium, the situation may speed up again.

According to 90min, one man West Ham could be targeting is Holgate. In fact, the online outlet claims they have made an enquiry about the 25-year-old.

Little further information is provided, except for the fact that Moyes wants a versatile defender so he can switch between a back four and a back three.

Holgate has played as a centre-back or a right-back throughout his career. Therefore, he fits the kind of profile Moyes is after.

Everton, however, still have him under contract until 2025. It remains to be seen how much money might tempt them into a sale this summer.

The Toffees have already raised funds by selling Richarlison to Tottenham, yet their finances are under scrutiny still. Holgate is someone they could make a profit on after initially investing just over £1m to sign him from Barnsley in 2015.

Besides, Everton have already made a signing in his centre-back position this summer, bringing in James Tarkowski on a free transfer from Burnley. Facing more competition for his place, Holgate may have to keep his options open.

West Ham worth considering for Mason Holgate

The Doncaster-born stopper started 23 Premier League matches last season. Whether he would earn more with West Ham – who also have Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna – is another matter.

But the London Stadium may be the better place to be due to West Ham’s involvement in European football for the second consecutive season. In contrast, Everton hovered above the relegation zone in 2021-22.

Therefore, there would be plenty of factors for Holgate to weigh up if he did have to make a choice between the two clubs.

For now, he will be preparing for the start of the season as an Everton player. Their campaign will kick off with a home match against Frank Lampard’s former club Chelsea on the evening of August 6th.

Where he is playing by the end of the window will become clear by September 1st, if not earlier.

READ MORE: West Ham rival Aguerd sellers for signature of PSG misfit Abdou Diallo, as additional defender deal considered