Pundit issues Nathan Patterson claim after Everton transfer decision – ‘it’s not a great sign’
Noel Whelan has insisted Nathan Patterson being put on the loan list at Everton is “not a good sign” for the youngster.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old would have expected to be pushing Seamus Coleman to become first-choice at Goodison Park when he joined in January.
According to The Sun‘s Alan Nixon (23 July), Frank Lampard wants Patterson to go out on loan in order to play more games this season.
The report claims Championship sides will be “queuing up” to take the Scotland international on a temporary basis.
Patterson joined Everton from Rangers in the January window for a reported initial fee of £16million as one of Rafa Benitez’s last acts at Goodison Park.
However, he only played a 45-minute cameo against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup before suffering an ankle injury in April.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s not going to plan for him so far.
“It has been a very turbulent time at Everton.
“This is someone who came into the club probably thinking he was going to be pushing Coleman all the way to become first choice.
“It’s not worked out that way. For one reason or another, he’s doing it for Scotland but he hasn’t been given the opportunity for Everton.
“He’s still young, but it’s important for him now to be playing every game and building confidence up in himself.
“But if Everton have made their mind up on him already, it’s not a great sign.
“He needs the football, but usually it’s the Under-23’s who have these loans out – not someone who you have spent £12million on just months ago.”
In other news, pundit backs Everton to seal ‘outstanding’ Chelsea star deal after journalist’s update.