Everton swap makes perfect sense after latest Nathan Patterson deadline day update
Everton defender Nathan Patterson is attracting interest as the transfer deadline approaches.
The 24-year-old has struggled to get into David Moyes‘ team this season, making six appearances in the Premier League.
Fabrizio Romano claimed on 2 February that Genoa want to sign the former Rangers star on loan before the window closes at 7:00 pm GMT.
That surely raises a simple proposition for Everton when they answer any potential offer from the Italian side, which makes perfect sense.
Everton need to ask for Brooke Norton-Cuffy in return
Everton have previously been linked with Brooke Norton-Cuffy, who plays for the same side who want Patterson.
The report from Romano states that the Red and Blues are looking at the Toffees man if Norton-Cuffy leaves before the deadline.
Romano reported on 29 January that Inter Milan were in advanced talks to sign the ex-Arsenal star, but the Blues surely have to interrupt that deal and just do a straight swap, given the Italian club’s interest in their man.
Why Everton desperately need Norton-Cuffy
The Merseysiders are crying out for a new addition at right-back, as David Moyes was forced to play four centre-backs in the 1-1 draw with Brighton.
Jake O’Brien was at right-back on that occasion, as he has been for most of the campaign, but he is naturally a centre-back, and that shows, especially when he is going forward.
The Irishman does not have the natural attacking tendencies that a typical full-backs offer, and that has hampered the Blues.
| Player | Appearances (Premier League) |
| Jake O’Brien | 24 |
| Nathan Patterson | 6 |
| Seamus Coleman | 3 |
Patterson and the other alternative in Moyes’ squad are not reliable enough to take a regular place in the team, either as a result of fitness issues or purely a lack of quality.
The Genoa star has notched one goal and one assist this season and is also brilliant defensively, winning 52 per cent of his ground duels in the league this season.
If the L4 outfit could swap Patterson for Norton-Cuffy, who has emerged as a starting-calibre player in his time in Italy, that would be a masterclass from the Friedkin Group in the final hours of the window.
The Blues would be the winners in that case, and it would improve Moyes’ squad massively as they prepare to push for European football.
Given the urgency of the deadline approaching, it could work out for all parties.
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