Report: Leeds make contact over player Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said is ‘complete’

Fri 23 December 2022 7:15, UK

Leeds United have reportedly made an enquiry for Everton defender Mason Holgate, according to .

The report claims the Elland Road outfit is up against French side Lyon in pursuit of the Toffees centre-back.

Leeds have had their fair share of defensive issues this season, which has contributed to their struggles.

Jesse Marsch’s charges have conceded 26 goals in just 14 Premier League games.

Although not the worst in the top flight (Bournemouth have shipped 32), it has contributed to Leeds being just two points above the bottom three.

The Whites were also defensively frail in their last friendly, which saw Monaco win 4-2 at Elland Road.

Although Robin Koch did well in his first game back since November, the likes of Rasmus Kristensen, Luke Ayling and Diego Llorente weren’t great.

There is certainly scope for Marsch to bolster his defensive ranks, and The Sun claims he’s now looking at Holgate.

Apparently, Everton could make him available in January as Frank Lampard already has plenty of defenders at his disposal.

In addition, the Toffees are reportedly having financial issues, so Holgate’s departure could help trim their wage bill.

Holgate is a quality player who has been unlucky this season and would certainly offer a lot to Leeds.

He played a major part in Everton’s successful fight against relegation from the top-flight last season.

However, his strong start to this campaign was cut short after picking up a knee problem in the 1-1 draw at Brentford.

Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have since struck up a partnership in Holgate’s absence.

His only appearance since then came in the 4-1 Carabao Cup loss at Bournemouth last month.

‘He is going to have a fantastic career’

If the report is true, then Leeds would be getting themselves a defender Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has praised highly.

“I did not know Mason before I came here and I was surprised by him,” the former Toffees boss told back in 2020.

“He showed in this period a lot of quality defensively, he is really focused in his defensive work.

“He has the quality to be at the top as a defender. He’s fast, strong physically and good with his head. He is a complete defender.

“He is really young and wants to improve. He has made no mistakes in the games (under him), nothing serious.

“If he retains his focus, he can go to the top. I think he is going to have a fantastic career.”

Holgate is talented, in the prime of his career, has extensive Premier League experience and knows how to survive a relegation battle.

Sounds like a good match for Leeds, and if he’s available, they should snap him up.