AFC Bournemouth: Cherries close in on Barnsley’s teenage defender Holgate

Everton have reportedly won the race to sign boom youngster Mason Holgate, with the England youth global undergoing a medical on Thursday morning (AEST).

He was left out of the Barnsley squad for Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield and did not feature in tonight’s League Cup clash at Scunthorpe.

The 18-year-old Barnsley defender has impressed in his 20 appearances for the League One side and reportedly has interest from Premier League big guns Manchester United and Arsenal.

Barnsley boss Lee Johnson told the Sheffield Star: “Mason’s a great young talent and I’d like to think he’d stay at the club to play regular football, but it’s up to the player”.

It’s reported that a deal could be announced as soon as Wednesday evening if talks at Finch Farm progress smoothly, with Everton expected to pay a fee of around £500k up front with at least that more again included in the deal as add-ons.

“All young players have aspirations to play at the highest level – and I’m sure Mason is no different”.

It will now be up to the player himself where he ends up, although there is every chance he would look favourably upon a move to Goodison Park given the success story of John Stones, who also signed from Barnsley.

The Merseyside outfit are now battling to keep hold of Stones amid interest and bids from Premier League champions Chelsea.

Reds Academy manager Ronnie Branson reflected: “A draw was probably a fair result, we knew it would be a very tough game”.