Everton could secure their new Marouane Fellaini after being linked with a move for rangy Getafe midfielder John Patrick.

What's the story?

According to TEAMtalk, the Toffees are one of four Premier League sides keen to secure the highly-rated 17-year-old's signature, with Manchester United, Burnley and Leeds United also credited with an interest.

With Patrick's current contract set to expire next summer, the English quartet could secure themselves a bargain deal for the Madrid-born talent over the coming months.

The report states that: "Patrick’s current deal is due to expire at the conclusion of the current season. That will perk up the English vultures who could either target a January move or bide their time hoping for a free agent acquisition next summer."

Could be Everton's new Marouane Fellaini

Despite only making eight appearances for Getafe's first team, Patrick hit the headlines last season after becoming the youngest player to play for the club in their history when he made his debut against Levante back in December 2020 aged just 17 years and 42 days.

The 6 foot 4 weapon recently made the decision to play for the Republic of Ireland at international level after turning down the advances of both England and Spain, instead choosing to represent the country of his mother's birth.

And his standout performances in La Liga have certainly caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including those in his homeland.

An Irish journalist hailed him an “exciting” player with high technical quality as he lauded the prospect on The Jack McDonald Show (24/03/21). Despite possessing considerable ability on the ball, the reporter suggested that as a young player, he can look lost at times.

If the Everton hierarchy can attract the youngster to Goodison Park over the winter window, then it could be a considerable coup for the Merseyside outfit and revoke memories of a former fan's favourite.

Ex-Blues star Fellaini stands at the same lofty height as Patrick and was also deployed in a variety of attacking positions, just like the young Irishman.

During a five-year spell at the club, Fellaini bagged a highly respectable 33 goals and provided a further 26 assists in 177 appearances before departing for United in a £27.5m deal.

If Patrick does join Everton over his other potential suitors, it's possible that we could see another sizeable target man causing havoc for Premier League defenders in a blue shirt, bringing back nightmares of old for opposition backlines.

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