West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Everton defender Mason Holgate as there are reportedly a string of Premier League sides competing for him.

Holgate spent the second half of last season on loan at the Hawthorns, making 19 appearances, and the Baggies have been linked with bringing him back again for the 2019/20 campaign.

It appears the Championship side are going to face some tough competition if they want to sign the 22-year-old before the close of the transfer window on Thursday.

According to The Sun, Burnley, Bournemouth and Sheffield United have all shown an interest in a permanent deal for the Everton player.

The report suggests that Holgate is valued at £10 million.

Holgate is a versatile defender who is comfortable playing as both a right-back and a centre-back and, at just 22, looks like a player with great potential.

He developed through the Barnsley academy and made the switch to Goodison Park in 2015, after making 22 senior appearances for the Tykes.

The Englishman has been a bit-part player for the Toffees over the past few seasons but was sent out on loan last January.

With the defensive options Marco Silva has at his disposal, a move away from the club may be Holgate’s best option of first-team football.

West Brom have added five new players already this summer, including defenders Darnell Furlong and Semi Ajayi.

The Verdict

The attention in Holgate from the Premier League trio is bad news for the Baggies.

The 22-year-old was an important player for West Brom during their run-in and securing his return would’ve been a boost for the season.

If a bidding war is to commence the Championship club are unlikely to be able to compete with the Premier League sides’ offers.

Holgate may also prefer to move to another top-flight club, rather than dropping down to the Championship again for the upcoming campaign.