LOANEE Mason Holgate is likely to see his Saints spell terminated early to join another club this month.

The 27 year old is reportedly heading to Sheffield United six months into his loan at St Mary’s.

Holgate made seven appearances for Saints, including five in the Championship. The other two came in the FA Cup third and fourth rounds.

His last league appearance came against West Brom in November in a 2-1 win, where he won man of the match at St Mary's.

Holgate would have to complete a move elsewhere before the transfer deadline at 11pm. The deadline in Germany 5pm.

Holgate had also been linked with interest from Bundesliga side Stuttgart on deadline day.

At the beginning of January, Saints boss Russell Martin issued his verdict on the potential recall of Holgate.

He told the Daily Echo: “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."