SAINTS have confirmed the loan signing of Everton defender Mason Holgate, as first reported by the Daily Echo.

The 26-year-old came through the Barnsley Academy, moving to Goodison Park at the age of 18, and has gone on to make 126 appearances in the Premier League.

A former England under-21 international, Holgate has also played at full-back and in midfield in his career and has become Russell Martin’s sixth summer signing.

On signing for Saints, Holgate said: "I did have other opportunities, but I just think the way the manager comes across and the style of football that he plays is suited to me to a tee.

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“The passion that he spoke with, I just felt like I was wanted, which has been very important for me because there have been points over the last few years where I’ve not really felt like that.

“To be wanted by someone and to be part of a project, seeing where the club can go, it’s something that I want to be a part of: getting the club back to where it should be.”

Director of football Jason Wilcox added: “Mason is a player who brings tremendous experience and leadership to our squad, whose football intelligence has seen him excel in a number of positions.

“He’s a player who is proven in the Premier League over many years and has experienced the Championship before, so he already knows the division. He has all the attributes to help us this season.”