Steven Naismith has told The Scottish Sun he doubts Seamus Coleman will see Nathan Patterson a threat if Everton complete their expected transfer for the Rangers defender.
The Toffees are looking to repeat the path they took in 2012 to bring Naismith to Goodison Park from Ibrox. The Glasgow Times report the clubs have agreed on an initial £12m fee for the right-back. Everton may also pay £4m in future add-ons and will offer a sell-on clause.
Everton will hope Patterson is the long-sought answer to their lengthy search for Coleman’s long-term successor. The Merseysiders have targeted deals for a new right-back in several recent windows, and revived their pursuit over ongoing concerns over Colemans’ longevity.
Reports by The Athletic in early December noted Rafa Benitez, like Carlo Ancelotti, wanted a new right-back as Jonjoe Kenny is not the one who will one day take over from Coleman.
The Blues also have concerns that Coleman cannot last the season as their first-choice full-back. He has started and played 90-minutes in 14 of their 18 Premier League fixtures so far.
Naismith issues Coleman prediction ahead of Everton transfer for Patterson
Naismith struck a bond with Coleman while the former Rangers striker played for Everton. He now expects the Irishman will welcome Patterson to Goodison and help the 20-year-old settle at the club, knowing that his days playing on Merseyside are coming to an end.
“I’m still good friends with Seamus Coleman, but he’s coming to the end of his career and I know for a fact he’ll help make Nathan a better player,” Naismith said.
“He won’t see him as a threat. He’ll see him as a boy who he wants to improve, and he’ll pass on all his knowledge and experience.”
Patterson is on the verge of joining Everton, with Sky Sports adding the Rangers defender is having his medical on Tuesday after the Blues revived their failed summer transfer interest.
Benitez will hope to see the Scotland international proves his worth and can take over from Coleman one day. But Patterson will struggle to be as much of a bargain as Coleman, who joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in 2009 for just £60k and has played 364 games to date.
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