Nathan Patterson is eager to quit Rangers and join Everton in the January transfer window while Rafa Benitez plots a raid on Ibrox to strengthen his defence, according to The Times.
The Toffees boss is set to revive his interest in Patterson next month as the Goodison Park hierarchy strive to sign support for Seamus Coleman. Everton failed to buy the Rangers full-back this summer after falling short of the Premiership champions’ valuation with two bids.
Everton opened negotiations with Rangers for Patterson’s transfer at £5m during the last window. But the Gers stood firm at demanding close to £10m and remain fixed on the fee.
Patterson is keen to leave Rangers for Everton if the two sides can now reach an agreement for his transfer. The Scotland international is becoming unsettled at Ibrox, having been kept to a backup role behind James Tavernier this season.
Steven Gerrard welcomed the 20-year-old into the Gers first-time in January of last year for his senior debut. But he has only amassed 27 appearances in all competitions since, with 11 this term so far. The Glasgow native has also only started six of his outings this season.
Minutes have proven to be particularly challenging for Patterson to seal since Giovanni van Bronckhorst replaced Gerrard, as well. He has only featured in five of the Gers’ eight games under the Dutchman for 232 of a possible 720-minutes.
Rangers gem Patterson can have a path to starting with transfer to Everton
Patterson now seemingly sees a transfer to Everton from Rangers in January as his route to a regular role. Benitez will also want the six-cap defender to rival Coleman for his preferred right-back position, rather than playing at left-back as he has for his last two appearances.
Everton have now sought to sign competition and an eventual successor for Coleman in a host of windows. The Athletic also note Blues chiefs fear the Irishman cannot last the term as their first-choice. So, Patterson should have a route to a starting gig at Goodison Park.
Benitez will expect Patterson to show with a transfer to Everton what Celtic captain Callum McGregor saw in the Rangers product with Scotland, if the sides are able to agree on a fee.
“He’s been absolutely first-class,” McGregor said, via quotes by the Glasgow Times. “You can tell he’s a real talent – even from the first day he trained with us in the summer.
“You could see his quality, his athleticism. And it’s great to see him make such a big impact, getting off the mark with a goal. He needs to just keep his head down and keep working hard. Other experienced boys will keep him on the right track, keep him honest.”
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