Sheffield United sign Mason Holgate on loan from Everton for the rest of the season… with 27-year-old defender relishing chance to help club in relegation fight

Sheffield United have signed defender Mason Holgate on loan from Everton for the rest of the season.

The 27-year-old, who has been on loan at Southampton, has been a long-term target for manager Chris Wilder.

Holgate told the club’s official website: ‘I’m delighted to be here and to finally get it over the line. I’ve been waiting all month to get it sorted, obviously involving three teams, it is a little complicated but now we’ve got it to this point, I cannot wait to get going.

‘I feel good, sharp and ready to go. This is the best league in the world that’s why everyone aspires to play in it, I’ve played in it a bit now and hopefully I can come in and help the boys.

‘Chris (Wilder) has faith and believes in me, he has told me what he thinks I can add to the team and I think I can do that so it makes sense to make this happen.’

He has not enjoyed the best of times over the past 18 months and is eager to kickstart his career under Wilder at Bramall Lane.

Holgate has made just seven appearances for Russell Martin’s side, featuring in just five Championship fixtures since joining from Everton last summer.

Stuttgart had also made an enquiry for the former England U21 international.

Wilder is delighted with his third capture of the window.

‘Mason’s desire to come here and join our fight is huge for me,’ said the Blades boss.

‘He’s got a point to prove, he’s a local lad who knows what Sheffield United are all about, he has his finger on the pulse and knows what to expect here.

‘He’s got valuable Premier League experience and can play all across the back which gives us options. Like Ben (Brereton Díaz) and Ivo (Grbić), we expect Mason to play a big part in the remainder of the season.’