MANAGER Sean Dyche admitted that Everton are yet to hold talks with Saints about recalling Mason Holgate.

The Toffees have previously been linked with cutting the defender's season-long loan at Southampton short.

Holgate has only featured five times for Southampton so far this season with his last appearance coming back in November against West Brom.  

Asked if Everton have opened talks with Southampton to recall Holgate, Dyche said: “No. The player made it clear he wants that fresh feel about going somewhere else.

"(He wanted) a new challenge. He wanted to get his teeth into it and I'm sure that's what he will be doing.

"I know he hasn't played as much as he'd have wanted but that's part of a professional's life. He's a Southampton player at this current time."

Speaking to the Daily Echo on New Year's Day, Martin insisted that the ball is in Everton’s court when asked if they could recall Holgate.

He said: “I honestly don’t know (if he will be here at the end of the month). I don’t expect him to be happy with not playing much.

“I don’t expect Everton to be happy with him not playing very much. The ball is very much in their court I think.

“If he wants to leave and go play somewhere else we probably have to respect that and we will be ready for that."

Holgate missed Southampton's 1-1 draw at Norwich City on Monday having picked up an injury in training during the week.

Martin is hopeful to have the 27 year old back for Saturday's FA Cup tie with Walsall, who sit 11th in League Two.