PREMIER League outfit Everton reportedly want to recall defender Mason Holgate from his loan at Saints due to a lack of minutes. 

The 27 year old has made five appearances for Saints since signing on a season-long loan, first reported by the Daily Echo, in August. 

Holgate endured a disastrous start to his Saints career, blighted by individual mistakes in defeats at Sunderland and Middlesbrough.

However, the former Toffees prodigy impressed in his last two starts for the club, helping to earn a 2-2 draw at Preston and a 2-1 win over West Brom. 

Holgate was named man of the match for his performance against the Baggies but has not featured for Russell Martin's side since.

The Sun report that Everton could terminate his loan at Saints when the January transfer window opens to find him a new club with more playing opportunities. 

They want the versatile defender, who is under contract at Goodison Park until 2025 and can operate at centre-back, right-back, and in midfield, to be playing regularly. 

The report also details that Championship sides Middlesbrough and Watford, as well as Scottish giants Rangers, are waiting in the wings. 

Holgate was signed to offer Saints defensive cover and not to be a regular starter, with Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens already in place.

Saints then added the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, also first reported by the Daily Echo, on what could become a permanent deal in the event of promotion. 

James Bree has also emerged as an impressive performer at left-back, meaning he is likely ahead of Holgate in the pecking order for the Yorkshireman's natural side too.