According to the Guardian, Everton are set to make a third attempt to sign Rangers defender Nathan Patterson, who Aston Villa are also interested in.
What’s the story?
Well, Everton made two bids for the 20-year-old back in the summer, with their second offer of £5m described as a “joke” by Steven Gerrard.
Now, the Toffees are set to do battle with Aston Villa and go back in with a third attempt to sign the 6-cap Scotland international.
Everton are also closing in on a £17.86m deal for Dynamo Kiev left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, as Rafa Benitez looks to strengthen both full-back positions.
If the Toffees did get their hands on Patterson, he would arrive at Goodison Park to compete with Seamus Coleman, who has struggled at times.
Everton’s second summer bid for the right-back was said to be worth £9m, and the Guardian believe they must improve on that offer if they’re to sign the Rangers No.16.
The Guardian also claim that Mykolenko’s arrival would shove Lucas Digne closer to the exit door, and that Benitez would like to add a new central midfielder to his squad this winter as well.
Everton must be wary of Aston Villa
According to 90min, Gerrard wants to bring Patterson with him to Villa Park, as the right-back becomes a target for the Villans.
The 41-year-old is said to have asked those above him at Aston Villa to bring the youngster to the Midlands.
Additionally, 90min believe Patterson would find a move to Villa Park hard to turn down, as he’s a huge fan of Gerrard and loved working under him at Ibrox.
In that respect, Aston Villa represent a huge threat to Everton in this transfer battle.
If Benitez really does want Patterson, it seems he’s going to have to do something special to secure his signature ahead of Gerrard.
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