MASON HOLGATE is ready to stay at Everton and fight for his first-team place.
The Toffees defender was wanted by French pair Monaco and Nice this month after falling out of favour under Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle had Holgate on their shortlist for a possible loan deal before the end of January.
Burnley were also linked as Everton were prepared to listen to offers.
The 25-year-old has made just ten appearances for the Goodison Park outfit this season.
But he is determined to force his way into caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson’s plans.
Holgate is desperate to play first-team football and has been an unused substitute for the club’s last two games.
Those were the FA Cup win over Hull and dismal 2-1 loss at Norwich.
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The Carrow Road defeat ended Benitez’s horror six-month spell and now Holgate hopes to play a part in lifting Everton’s fortunes whoever the new manager is with the club 16th in the Premier League.
The Toffees take on Aston Villa this weekend.
They then face Brentford in the FA Cup.
Crucial games against fellow strugglers Newcastle and Leeds United follow that.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk