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Everton have completed their smash and grab raid for rising Scotland star Nathan Patterson.

The Blues have agreed a fee of around £12m with the young defender’s club Rangers, and after a medical at their Finch Farm training complex this afternoon, announced that he ha signed a five and a half year contract.

The 20 year–old full Scottish international is one of the most highly regarded young players in Britain, after starring for his country.

But the Blues stole in ahead of a host of clubs to agree the fee, and the right back, who has made just 15 starts for Rangers, said: “It was an easy choice to sign.

“This is a massive club with a huge history and the fanbase is tremendous. I’m over the moon to sign for Everton and looking forward to getting started.

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“Obviously we aren’t in the place where we want to be right now but we can definitely get there with the talent in the changing room and staff here, and I have full belief we can do that.

“It is really exciting to come to a club that has huge talent in the team. I am going to work my socks off and hopefully I can do well with them in training and in games.”

Patterson has been with Rangers since he was an eight year old, and he explained that the influence of Rafa Benitez – a former manager of his previous Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard – helped him make up his mind.

“It was also great for me knowing the manager really wanted me here and that made my decision. When a club really wants you, it makes your mind up early on,” he added.

“I wanted to come here from the very start. I’m delighted to be here and really looking forward to playing in front of the fans at Goodison.

“Long-term, I want to nail down a starting position and win some trophies to make the fans proud.”

Patterson has six senior Scotland caps after making his debut in June last year, and he scored his first goal for his country against Moldova in November.

He will wear the number three shirt at Everton, and he said he intends to bring much to the club.

Asked by the Everton website what the fans can expect, he said: “Athleticism, desire and strong challenges, along with good forward play.

“I am an attacking full-back. I love getting forward and creating chances to benefit the team. I can’t wait for it.

“I’m really looking forward to working under the manager and with my teammates. I have met most of them already and everyone has made me feel so welcome.

“That is why I am here: to learn and get better as a player and, hopefully, win things and do well for the club. If I am working alongside Seamus that is definitely going to happen.”