Danny Murphy has stated that the possible Nathan Patterson signing shows that Everton are ‘backing’ their under-fire boss, Rafa Benitez, as he told talkSPORT.
It was suggested to Murphy that Everton are closing in on a possible £10 million move for Rangers defender Patterson, which could rise to £16 million, as reported by Alex Crook on talkSPORT.
If Patterson is signed up, then the Scotland international will be Everton’s second signing of the January transfer window, after they snapped up Ukraine left-back, Vitaliy Mykolenko.
Whilst Mykolenko can operate just on the left flank for the Toffees, someone like Patterson can play in both fullback positions.
Either way, Murphy questioned what that now means for someone like Lucas Digne, who hasn’t featured for Everton since the club’s defeat to Liverpool.
“I think that’s the main thing you can get from this,” said Murphy. “It shows support and backing for him.
“And, in those particular areas, they do need help in the fullback areas. What does it say about Digne as well?
“He (Patterson) is not playing a lot though at Rangers.”
Things aren’t going well for Benitez on Merseyside and their recent defeat to Brighton just made matters worse.
Even before Benitez stepped foot into Finch Farm, there were Everton fans that didn’t want him at the club, so two wins from 14 isn’t exactly going to get them on board.
But after a summer of very little spending because of FFP, it seems as though the Toffees can now push the financial boat out once more.
And those in the boardroom, regardless of the noise from the stands, are showing their faith in the man they controversially appointed in the summer.
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