Mason Holgate: Everton sign Barnsley defender

Mason Holgate made his debut for Barnsley against Doncaster on 2 December 2014

Everton have signed Barnsley defender Mason Holgate for an undisclosed fee on a five-year deal.

The 18-year-old made 22 appearances for the League One side after making his debut last December.

Bournemouth, Manchester United and Newcastle were all linked with moves for the player this summer.

"With Mason, an opportunity came up and we didn't want to lose out. He is a young man with an impressive future," Toffees boss Roberto Martinez said.

"His development is going to be important and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can have an impact on the first team. But he is not a player who I would expect to perform straightaway in the Premier League - that would be very unfair."

Holgate joins up with former Tykes academy graduate John Stones, who joined the Premier League side from Barnsley in February 2013.

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