Manchester United have reportedly taken Barnsley defender Mason Holgate on trial, according to the Daily Mail.
Holgate played 22 times for Barnsley last season, scoring one goal – he has been compared to John Stones, who broke through at the Yorkshire club, and United’s interest has apparently come in the wake of interest from Aston Villa.
From the Daily Mail:
Manchester United have moved to beat off interest from Aston Villa for Barnsley’s highly-rated right back Mason Holgate.
Villa were lining up a £1million bid for the 18-year-old who rejected the offer of a new contract at Barnsley on Monday.
However, Manchester United have invited him to train with them as they look to make a counter offer.Holgate trained at Carrington on Wednesday and is due to stay with United until Friday as coaches Warren Joyce and Nicky Butt take a closer look.
Holgate made 22 appearances and scored one goal during his first team breakthrough campaign last season and is keen to continue playing regularly.
He hopes to impress United enough to sign him but would like to go out on loan to a Championship club or return to Barnsley and continue his development on a competitive stage.
Swansea had also shown interest in Holgate, who can play in the centre of defence too, and has been compared to former Barnsley graduate John Stones now of Everton.Holgate was born in Doncaster and joined Barnsley at the age of nine.
He made his League One debut in a 1–1 draw against Doncaster Rovers last December and has also attracted attention from Arsenal and Tottenham.
Brill to see English kids given a chance. So many of the best are st clubs from 7-15. What do they do to them when they pick the cream and so few come through.Tauhght in Sheffield and watched local clubs turn talented and dedicated kids into also rans. Wonder where some of the foreign stars would be if thry had been trrated like our youngsters.