West Bromwich Albion are close to completing a deal for Everton defender, Mason Holgate. The Englishman has been set for a move away all summer, although finding a suitable landing spot has proved a difficult task for all parties.

Holgate had previously been linked with a loan move to Lyon, before then seemingly closing in on a temporary switch to Championship side, Sheffield Wednesday. However, that has all unravelled in the past few days and hours, allowing the Baggies to swoop in and advance in negotiations.

Mason Holgate closing in on West Brom move

Holgate spent last season on loan at both Southampton and Sheffield United respectively, and looks like he has no future at Goodison Park under current manager, Sean Dyche. The English defender is still only 27 years old so has a good few years ahead of him, but finding a place he can call home is now essential.

It had been reported on deadline day that following the collapse of a move to Lyon, Wednesday were the front runners to add Holgafte to their backline. However, in the final few hours, a dramatic turn of events occurred and saw the Toffees man switch his plans and head for the Midlands.

So, while Wednesday had been planning for life with Holgate, according to reports it’s now Carlos Corberan who will be able to call on the England youth international this season. It will be regarded as a coup for the Baggies to loan in a Premier League defender, but his last two stints in football have been far from impressive, including one in the Championship last term.

Baggies to conclude a dramatic deadline day

If West Brom can get Holgate over the line and continue to fend off competition from Wednesday, it would round off what has been a very impressive deadline day. The Baggies managed to get last season’s loan star, Mikey Johnston in permanently, having only shelled out £4 million.

The centre-back does have just one year left to run on his contract at Everton, so it does remain to be seen what his future looks like in 12 months. It would be smart for the Toffees to extend his deal and include a form of option to buy for West Brom.

Holgate may well have to work for his spot in the first team under Corberan with the Baggies boasting some impressive options at centre-back. The likes of Semi Ajayi, Paddy McNair and Kyle Bartley are all capable of performing in the heart of the defence, but adding Holgate’s quality and experience should not be sniffed at.