Everton could be set to offload unpopular defender Mason Holgate over the coming months after a string of underwhelming displays.

What's the story?

The Athletic's Toffees reporter Greg O'Keeffe has revealed he could see new manager Rafa Benitez selling the 24-year-old next summer as the Spaniard looks to make his mark on the club.

In response to a fan's question asking if O'Keeffe could see Everton selling either Michael Keane or Mason Holgate to help rebuild in other areas, the reliable journalist offered his opinion.

"I think the club could move on one of their four current senior centre-backs to allow Benitez to recruit one of his own," he wrote.

"I’d say that definitely should not be Keane, which leaves the spotlight more on Mason Holgate. We’ve seen some very promising things from him, and some less promising things. I think our answer will come from how many minutes Holgate gets, not forced by injury to others, under the manager this season."

Everton fans should be buzzing

And it seems as though large sections of Everton fans will be delighted at this latest revelation, with several supporters expressing their agreement with O'Keeffe's sentiment in response to a post relaying the news.

"Would be my first pick out the door, try use whatever money we got from James and Holgate to get a right back," claimed @louieb93efc.

"I'd like to see him go in January," explained @podefc, while another fan in @Boxfield_ commented: "Get shut, not good enough."

Despite Holgate showing glimpses of his true potential since arriving at Goodison Park back in 2015, the versatile centre-back has failed to produce his best form on a consistent basis.

Last season was a particularly disappointing campaign for the former England U21 international, and therefore, it's easy to understand why the Everton faithful appear to have run out of patience.

As per SofaScore, Holgate made two errors leading directory to a goal in the Premier League throughout 2020/21, highlighting his defensive frailties.

But he also struggled with the ball at his feet. The youngster achieved a passing accuracy of just 79% and completed only 73% of his attempted dribbles successfully.

As a result, the Everton fanbase should be buzzing at Holgate's potential exit, allowing Benitez room to manoeuvre in the transfer market with the proceeds from his departure.

And, in other news...Everton can find their next Lukaku in “phenomenal” £25.2m-rated gem, Benitez needs him