Everton held talks with the Barnsley defender Mason Holgate on Wednesday in their attempt to beat Bournemouth and several other Premier League clubs to the signing of the highly rated 18-year-old.
Holgate, who had a trial with Manchester United this summer, met Everton officials at the club’s training ground after a deal worth an initial £1m was agreed with the League One side. The teenager would follow John Stones in moving from Oakwell to Goodison Park should he become Roberto Martínez’s third signing of an otherwise frustrating summer.
Bournemouth had hoped to seal the signature of Holgate, who made 22 appearances in his breakthrough campaign for Barnsley last season and can operate at right-back or in central defence. But the newcomers were informed the Doncaster-born defender was set on a move to Everton before they could open talks.
Arsenal and Aston Villa have also been linked with Holgate this summer, although the Goodison club could conclude his transfer within 48 hours.
