Everton beat Aston Villa to agree deal for Rangers defender Nathan Patterson
Everton have reached an agreement to sign Rangers defender Nathan Patterson in the January transfer window, according to a report from 90min.
The report claims that a host of Premier League clubs including Aston Villa, Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers were keen on his signature.
However, all those clubs wanted to wait until the summer to secure his move, while Everton, who are in dire need of reinforcement, moved early and wrapped up the deal.
Second signing
The 20-year-old will become the second signing for the Toffees in January, with the club paying an initial fee of £12million.
The Toffees have already confirmed the signing of the Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko for £17 million, and it remains to be seen whether Rafa Benitez brings more players this month.
Of all the clubs mentioned, Everton were serious about landing him. They had a couple of bids rejected in the summer, but eventually, they have managed to get his deal done.
The player reportedly is set for a medical, and he will compete with Seamus Coleman for the starting position at right-back [The Scotsman].
He is a highly-rated young talent. Patterson was not a regular at Ibrox due to skipper James Tavernier being ahead of him, but he is already an accomplished Scotland international.
Patterson has always impressed every time he took the pitch, and the deal is perfect for all parties involved.
Everton now hope to recover some money by offloading Lucas Digne.
In other Everton news, Benitez questions fans after shocking scenes vs Brighton.