Everton want to sign Northern Ireland teenager Jack Patterson
Everton have identified Crusaders teenager Jack Patterson as a transfer target, report the Belfast Telegraph.
The 15-year-old has impressed in Northern Ireland, becoming Crusaders’ youngstest ever player when he made his debut in January.
He has wowed his manager Stephen Baxter, who believes he is a very talented prospect and one to watch out for in the future.
As quoted by the Belfast Telegraph, Baxter said of Patterson, “What a prospect the boy is.
“We saw the talent that was recommended to us by our youth academy director and in the few games he played for the under-20 side, he was outstanding.
“We brought him into the first team and I thought he was an incredible player for his age. He’s in training with us and if he’s good enough, he’s old enough.
“He has the talent and he will certainly be someone we will be talking about in the future.”
Long-term vision
Everton looked to make big-name signings last summer with James Rodriguez and Allan arriving, while Abdoulaye Doucoure joined with a tonne of Premier League experience.
They have each performed well on occasion, but our best performers have arguably been those who joined the club at a young age.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is our top scorer and has been one of the best strikers in the league this season – he would have more goals if his teammates provided him with better service.
Mason Holgate is another who joined the club at a young age and has blossomed under Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian clearly has a knack for getting the best out of players, as does David Unsworth with the under 23s.
He has done well to develop the likes of Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms and there is potential for Patterson to become the next player to progress through the ranks, though it is perhaps a little to early to judge him just yet.
In other Everton news, an Everton attacker is attracting interest due to scintillating form – The Athletic.
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