Why Everton now face decision time on Nathan Patterson as European club in contact

Nathan Patterson still looks likely be on his way out of Everton, with Eintracht Frankfurt now interested.

The Scotsman has found himself on the wrong side of David Moyes' plans over the last year, with appearances limited.

Patterson's time on Merseyside has been marred by countless injuries, and now the Everton outcast will have to leave to get his career back on track.

However, despite struggling to impress at Hill Dickinson over the last year, the Toffees' decision over his exit won't be straightforward yet.

Right-back is a priority position for Everton in the transfer market this summer, but a breakthrough has yet to be found.

And that will likely impact what happens next with Patterson on Merseyside.

What has been said about Eintracht Frankfurt's interest in Nathan Patterson ?

Goodison News has extensively been reporting on Everton's right-back hunt, including the emergence of target Alistair Johnston.

The Blues have been fairly slow in the transfer department, which is sure to leave fans frustrated.

But, alongside that right-back search, is the future of current full-back Patterson.

And according to the print edition of the Daily Record on Friday, Patterson's next club could be in Germany.

Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt are keen on the Everton defender and the report shares they have already made contact with Patterson's agents.

But it also states it remains to be seen if Everton would sanction an exit for the 24-year-old.

Although Patterson barely featured last season, as things stand, he is the only natural right-back contracted with the L3 outfit.

The Blues would leave themselves incredibly short if they allow him to leave without a replacement already at Finch Farm.

Could Patterson still save Everton career?

In the most recent Everton friendly against Dundee FC, Moyes' options are so limited that Merlin Rohl was deployed at full-back.

So, Patterson could certainly still get plenty of minutes throughout the pre-season preparations.

But a right-back will still need to be signed no matter how well the Scotsman performs over the next few weeks.

His injury issues mean he cannot be relied upon and if a right-sided fullback is brought in, Moyes is unlikely to trust Patterson anyways.

It is a case of never-say-never, but truthfully, the best move for all parties is for Patterson to seek a fresh start to get his career back on track.