Liverpool sidestep deal to hand Everton chance of transfer redemption
Everton are reportedly now willing to meet the asking price for Rangers rising star Nathan Patterson – and won’t face competition from city rivals Liverpool.
The Toffees made a derisory offer for Patterson in the summer, which Steven Gerrard laughed off. He warned them they would have to seriously up their bid of £5m for the teenager. Ultimately, the Scottish champions’ stance meant they kept hold of the right-back.
But they will still have fears about him moving south of the border in the near future. It was subsequently revealed that Liverpool are also interested in Patterson, who has three caps for Scotland so far.
However, the situation has now changed, according to The Sun. They believe Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Patterson, leaving their rivals with a clear run.
What’s more, Everton could double their summer offer in January after learning Rangers want at least £10m for Patterson.
Everton are somewhat light in the full-back areas, a problem that has resurfaced following an injury to Seamus Coleman. At 19 years of age, Patterson could help them find a long-term solution.
He has been on the fringes of the Rangers first team for a couple of years, making 14 appearances in all competitions last season and scoring twice. He is yet to feature in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, but has appeared twice in cups.
Gerrard has been showing patience with him but is aware of his potential, and he could be set for a bigger role in years to come. But Everton are hoping he will play such a role with them instead.
Rangers have Patterson under contract until 2024, but with Everton now deciding they are willing to meet the asking price, they may lose him sooner.
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Everton will be without a senior right-back for their first fixture back from the international break, so it is clearly an area to address.
Everton rectifying missed summer opportunities
There has also been speculation that they could go back in for Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles. He can cover at right-back or in midfield.
Maitland-Niles was another summer target they missed out on. He became frustrated at his current club for not letting him go.
Therefore, it has been speculated that Everton could make another approach in January – with a twist to their previous one…
READ MORE: Everton change strategy in January plans to sign disgruntled target they missed out on
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