Michael Ball has backed Everton to splash the cash on Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson, calling it a potentially “clever” move.
In a recent interview with Football Transfer Tavern, Michael Ball believes Everton should make a move for Nathan Patterson. The former Everton defender believes that the club needs to invest in the youth setup and the Rangers right-back fits the bill perfectly.
The Toffees are reportedly in pole position to sign Patterson, who is likely to cost around £10 million. The Scottish youngster has even emerged as one of the club’s transfer priorities, with Rafael Benitez determined to address his problem in the right-back department in the upcoming January transfer window.
The Merseyside giants, after all, were dealt with a major setback earlier this season, with Seamus Coleman picking up an injury during the international break. It has forced them to continue with Jonjoe Kenny and Ben Godfrey at right-back, with no other viable alternatives.
In an attempt to solve that problem, Everton are considering a move for Patterson. The young Rangers full-back is yet to become a first-team regular for Rangers, but he is a Scottish international with three caps for his country. Moreover, he has featured in three competitive matches in the new season, impressing the onlookers with his quality out wide.
Former Everton full-back Michael Ball thinks that the young Scot could be a good investment for the club. He has praised Benitez’s out of the box thinking and his transfer policy, in a recent interview, stating, “I think it’s good that Everton are looking north of the border and trying to be clever.”
Ball, who had played for both Everton and Rangers during his footballing career, even urged the club to invest in youth players rather than relying on big-name acquisitions like James Rodriguez, who recently left the club in favour of a move to Qatar. Ball further approved the decision to sign Patterson, who is regarded as one of Scotland’s brightest defensive talents.
“We all like big signings, we all like the big name players but moving forward, it’s a mixture of trying to bring in players from the academy, a bit of youth from elsewhere, who can compete in every position, as well as your bigger signings and Nathan is really highly thought of at Rangers,” said the 41-year-old.
Only time will tell if Everton can manage to sign Patterson to bolster their right-back options. For now, the positions is in dire straits, and Benitez will be eagerly awaiting the return of Coleman.