Everton have made their second signing of the transfer window, with Nathan Patterson joining the club in a deal worth £16m, as Rafa Benitez continues to put his stamp on the struggling side.

The 20-year-old right-back has been making a name for himself in Scotland, with an incredible performance in the national team scoring a goal and assisting teammate Che Adams against Moldova in a World Cup Qualifier that secured Scotland a play off place for the Qatar World Cup.

He also made five appearances in Steven Gerrard's invincible title-winning Rangers side last year in the Scottish Premiership and scored one goal in their Europa League game against Young Boys too.

With the signing secured, it could be an opportunity for Rafa Benitez to finally axe Everton veteran and current club captain, Seamus Coleman, from the side, with the Irishman now 33-years-old, Patterson could be integrated into the starting team over the next few months to replace him.

Coleman signed for the Toffees back in 2010, offering up 364 appearances, 26 goals and 32 assists during his time with the club, becoming skipper in August 2019, following Phil Jagielka's departure, but whilst currently in his 13th season for the club, his time could be coming to end.

Former sporting director, Marcel Brands, had already begun putting into place a plan for the right back to stay with the club in a role off the pitch when he decides to retire from playing in the side, speaking last year at an Everton USA live event:

“I’m now already in talks with him to get him involved in, let’s say, things off the pitch. He’s definitely someone I really want to keep in the club after he finishes his career. He’s a great example for everyone."

The £68k-per-week gem who was hailed the "full package" by former Toffees boss, Sam Allardyce, has not had the best season in the Everton side so far, according to SofaScore the defender has lost the ball on average 17.3 times per game, and has only made 1.3 interceptions on average over his last 14 appearances in the Premier League.

It will be interesting to see how Benitez will handle the task of phasing out Coleman whilst integrating Patterson into the side, whether he will just drop the Everton captain or ease the young new addition in the side over the last 18 months of his predecessor's contract.

In other news: Rafa should sell Mason Holgate