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After developing John Stones into the most highly-sought after English defender, Everton are ready to hijack Manchester United’s attempts to sign the next prospect out of Barnsley, Mason Holgate.

The Daily Star reports that the Blues will offer to take the 18-year-old defender – who recently spent 10 days with Manchester United – on trial.

Holgate was tipped to join the Red Devils in a £1million deal but is supposedly ready to snub Louis van Gaal’s side over concerns regarding how much playing time he’d be given.

Having made 20 appearances for the Tykes in League One last season, Holgate is also attracting the attention of Newcastle United.

Barnsley boss Lee Johnson admitted that he is facing a losing battle to keep the highly-rated youngster at Oakwell.

Last week he told the Sheffield Star: “There’s been a lot of interest in Mason and, at this stage it looks like we’re destined to lose him.

“But you never know what’s going to happen. The player can always change his mind.

“It’s great for the lad to be training with Manchester United, it’s a fantastic opportunity.

“But of course I want him to stay and really feel as though he could benefit from a full season in our first team.”

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Meanwhile, former Everton boss David Moyes is looking to his old club for his latest transfer raid.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Scot is eyeing up the recently departed Blues defender Antolin Alcaraz.

The Paraguayan, who turns 33 this week, is a free agent after his two-year contract at Goodison Park expired this summer.

The former Wigan Athletic man, who followed Roberto Martinez from the DW Stadium, had an injury-ravaged time with the Blues but is also wanted by Serie A Side Atalanta who have offered him a two-year deal with an option for a third season.

Blues transfer tracker