SAINTS are looking to finalise a loan deal for Everton defender Mason Holgate, the Daily Echo understands.

The 26 year old former England under-21 international made just eight Premier League appearances last season and is yet to feature this term.

Holgate, however, a confident defender with the ball at his feet, has 149 matches of experience with his boyhood Toffees.

Manager Russell Martin has been looking for further reinforcements in his centre-back options amid uncertain futures of Lyanco and Armel Bella-Kotchap.

The St Mary’s side are still in negotiations with Swansea City over young centre-back Nathan Wood but the two teams have so far failed to agree a move.

As first reported by the Daily Echo, Saints are set to finalise a straight loan deal for Holgate with a medical booked for today.

Holgate helped West Bromwich Albion to the Championship playoffs during a loan spell at the Hawthorns during the 2018-19 season.