Pundit issues ‘big’ Everton claim as Patterson jets in for medical
Kevin Phillips has backed Rangers defender Nathan Patterson to follow in the footsteps of Seamus Coleman at Everton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker said “the time has come” for a new right-back at Goodison Park.
The Toffees have agreed a £12million deal for Patterson, 20, which could rise to £16million with add-ons.
An Everton source told Football Insider (3 January) that the right-back is finalising the terms of a contract before undergoing a medical, most likely in the next 24 hours.
Patterson’s contract with Rangers expires in the summer of 2024.
When asked by Football Insider for his reaction to the developments, Phillips said: “Seamus Coleman has been a great player for Everton but I think the time has come now for someone else to come in.
“Patterson could come in and make that position his own for the future. He could be the next Seamus Coleman if you like.
“I think it is clear, Everton have struggled defensively this season. They need good, quality defenders to stop the goals going in. You cannot be conceding three goals at home to Brighton. Keeping clean sheets has been a big problem for them this season.
“I’m not surprised they are looking to sign Patterson. It’s an area they need to strengthen in.”
Patterson could become Everton’s second signing of the January window following the arrival of left-back Vitaly Mykolenko.
The Blues announced the capture of Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv on Saturday.
In other news, a pundit ‘feels sorry’ for one Everton star after after dismal reveal v Brighton.