Mason Holgate has been told that his Southampton loan IS what he wanted by Sean Dyche amid speculation a deal could be cut short to allow a switch to Rangers.
Reports south of the border had claimed that Everton had been preparing to to cut the defender's loan spell at Southampton short this month after managing just five appearances so far this season – the last of which came on November 11.
Rangers are said to be among a cluster of clubs "waiting in the wings" to strike a temporary deal with the 27-year-old and bring him to the Scottish Premiership.
Holgate has struggled to claim a regular spot at Goodison Park and openly admitted after making the move to St Mary's that he didn't feel like boss Dyche would be likely to give him another chance – opening the door for a second loan exit this term.