Everton have a number of ageing players in their squad, which has an average age of 28.1, and Rafael Benitez will likely be looking to add new players in the transfer window to build for the future.

There is one player who has been heavily linked with the Toffees who could solve a substantial issue for the manager.

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Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson continues to be linked with a move to Everton, and now former Ibrox defender Alan Hutton has weighed in on the potential signing for the Toffees, telling Football Insider: “We’re talking £10million-plus. He’s not playing, it doesn’t look like Tavernier is going to go anywhere anytime soon.

“I think you’re looking at probably £10million plus add-ons. I know he’s not held down a regular place in the Rangers team but we’ve seen, given the opportunity, he can play at a high level.

“He’s played in European competitions, he’s an international player. Obviously, what he can become in the future, the talent is there for everybody to see."

The 20-year-old has made 11 appearances for Rangers so far this season across all competitions and has featured in the Scotland national team, scoring his first goal for his country in November against Moldova. He also set up Che Adam's second goal in the 2-0 win which clinched a place in the World Cup play-offs.

Scotland team-mate Adams showered the defender with praise after the game against Moldova, saying: “Nathan’s an amazing player and a great guy off the pitch so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s a good young prospect coming through for the nation and hopefully he can continue and keep adding goals as well."

Benitez could solve big issue with Patterson

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is now 33 and will be out of contract in 18 months' time, so Benitez will be looking for a reliable and consistent right-back who can come into the fold at Goodison Park and take over from the £3.15m-rated Irishman, who has 363 appearances over 13 seasons, with the manager likely to begin phasing the defender out of the starting line-up in the near future.

If Patterson does join in January he would have the perfect opportunity to work with a hugely experienced right-back in Coleman, which could be highly beneficial to his development in succeeding the 33-year-old when he ends his lengthy Merseyside stay.

Signing Patterson would be great for both him and Everton, allowing Benitez to implement a freshness to a crucial area of the pitch, and to replace someone in Coleman who is perhaps turning into a liability given his defensive lapses of late.

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