Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has outlined the details behind Nathan Patterson’s move to Everton and revealed Bill Kenwright led the negotiations on the Blues’ behalf.
Everton confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Patterson has signed a five-and-a-half-year-deal to become the club’s second signing of the January transfer window.
Rafa Benitez hinted at the start of December that adding a right-back to his squad in January would be Everton's priority.
Patterson was the subject of two failed bids from Everton in the summer as they sought to bring in competition for Seamus Coleman.
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Everton’s board are currently undertaking a 'strategic review' of the club’s football structure following Marcel Brands departure as director of football last month.
And Wilson has revealed that it was chairman Bill Kenwright who steered the negotiations with Rangers over a deal for the full-back.
He said: “Personally, Nathan is someone that I’ve placed a lot of faith in since I joined Rangers. We saw top potential in him and I’ve enjoyed working with him and seeing him develop every day.
“Nathan is supported brilliantly by his family and as Rangers fans, I know they are extremely proud of his Rangers achievements.
“In terms of the detail of the transfer, I have been in discussions with Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright for a number of weeks. It has been a pleasure to deal with Bill - a man who represents his club with genuine class.
"It is true that there were previous discussions last summer but we were always clear that in our model players will only leave at the right time and for the right number.
“We have now established a significant club record and there will be even further financial incentives for Rangers as Nathan’s Everton career evolves.
“We were very clear in these discussions that Nathan is a player and person who we hold in the highest regard and the deal had to represent a club record for Rangers.
“Since I joined the club, I’ve been clear that we would be strong in the market and our chairman and board have been prepared to reject some significant sums for our players, whilst we have all acknowledged that we would sell the right player at the right time for the right value. I must say in this case also, this is the correct destination.
“Our Academy staff can be proud of the role they’ve played in Nathan’s development. We are proud of Nathan, he leaves as a champion and I will follow every step of his career and journey and he will always be connected to Rangers. I am sure we will see him back supporting the lads at Ibrox soon.”
In a club statement, Everton stated Patterson had joined the club for an undisclosed fee, but the ECHO understands that the deal is worth an initial £11m, with add-ons.
And Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson believes the deal fits in with the club's 'long-term' and 'strategic vision'.
He said: “This is a deal which fits with our long-term, strategic vision for the club.
"We have been very clear that player trading is an important element of our business model but only when the circumstances suit Rangers.
“We are delighted for Nathan and his family, wish them all the best for the future and they will always be welcome back at Ibrox.”
