Mason Holgate sees Rangers transfer door open as Russell Martin offers no Southampton guarantees in cryptic clue
The Everton defender is on loan at Southampton but has had his minutes at St Mary's restricted.
Russell Martin admits he can't guarantee Mason Holgate will be a Southampton player after January amid talk of a move to Rangers.
Everton boss Sean Dyche is reportedly ready to bring the defender back from the Championship, with his loan stint at St Mary's being hampered by injury and lack of selection. He's played just five league games so far and Rangers are reported to be in a clutch of clubs "waiting in the wings" to strike a temporary deal if the Toffees do pull him back.
Former Gers defender and Southampton boss Martin was asked about the rumours and knows lack of games will be a frustration for Holgate. He tells the Daily Echo he doesn't know where the versatile defender will be come the end of tee window in a hint over his future. Martin said: "There has been no conversation about that as far as I am aware. Mason came back into the team and did really well after a difficult start, he can't do anything else than play really well and be a good teammate.
“Mason came back into the team and did really well after a difficult start, he can't do anything else than play really well and be a good teammate. That was my decision and it was tough.
"I've left someone, who has been really great, out for the game tomorrow and the conversation is not easy. When you care about them it's a horrible conversation and it's why leadership can be very lonely, you feel the anger they feel towards you.
"Mason has been a victim of that and he hasn't done anything wrong, he's looked like the player I knew we were signing when he came back into the team.
"He is out of the team because the other guys have played well and that is frustrating for him. I can't sit here and say he is definitely staying. Would we want him to stay? Yes. He is a great teammate, he's got a great energy around the place and he's been good on the pitch the last few times.
"However, I also understand that he probably wants to play more minutes and for Everton, it is probably frustrating as well. I am sure there will be conversations between Jason (Wilcox), Everton, and maybe Mason's agent at some point. Until it becomes something of real interest I don't think it will come to my door anyway. And if it does we will have to deal with it then."