Former Sheffield United and Everton man tips Bramall Lane as ideal destination for Toffees defender
Sheffield United are in the market for a right back and a move for an Everton player could be on the cards
Sheffield United have been backed as the ideal destination for an Everton defender, by someone who played for both clubs.
As reported in The Star, Nathan Patterson is a player on United’s radar as Chris Wilder looks to strengthen an area of the pitch that has lacked depth for some time.
Femi Seriki nailed down the right-back role last season and although Ki-Jana Hoever was brought in on loan, the Wolves man never really did enough to put too much pressure on Seriki.
Wilder has Jamie Shackleton back from injury and in the frame again this season but his availability has been in question since his arrival from Leeds United, so it is no surprise that United are looking in that area for reinforcements.
Patterson has been edged out of the Everton side in the past couple of seasons and made just nine appearances in all competitions for David Moyes’ side last term.
As things stand, the 24-year-old is on international duty at the World Cup with Scotland so his focus will be firmly on that but Patterson may have a decision to make about his future when his American adventure comes to an end.
Don Hutchison, himself a former Scotland international who played for both Everton and Sheffield United, believes a switch to Bramall Lane would be of huge benefit to all parties.
“The Nathan Patterson rumours have probably come from the lack of game time he had under David Moyes at Everton last season, said Hutchison, in association with Spreadex Sports. “Most Evertonians want to see more of Patterson – he’s a Scottish international and at 24 is at an age where he can be a regular starter in the Premier League.
“The problem Nathan has is that Jake O’Brien is Moyes’ first choice and Moyesy likes to have a settled back four.
“If Nathan feels like he’s done everything he can in training, in reserve games and in the first-team chances he’s had and realises that even with the right attitude and good character he won’t be able to be a regular starter under Moyes, then it’s something nearly all professional footballers go through at some point in their careers – he’ll need to move to play regular football.
“And Sheffield United would be a great option for him. A fresh start, amazing fans that follow the team home and away, and a great place to play your football – Bramall Lane.
“They also have a good manager in Chris Wilder who will be able to give Nathan at least 30 games a season. The club will be a getting a player of real quality, which feels like a no-brainer. It’s a win-win for the player and the club.”