The Hearts right-back was heavily tipped to join Derby County in January before an injury wrecked his season.
Callum Paterson’s cruciate ligament injury appears unlikely to put off potential suitors with The Scottish Sun reporting that Ipswich Town could make a move for the long-standing Derby County target.
The 22-year-old Scotland international appeared set to make the switch to the iPro, the Derby Telegraph reported, before suffering a devastating injury which could leave him on the sidelines for up to ten months, although Hearts are still expected to offer him a new deal beyond the expiry of his contract in the summer.
However, Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy is reportedly unconcerned about Paterson’s long-term blow and is prepared to sanction a move for a player who, The Scottish Sun add, had already made up his mind about a move to England.
Furthermore, Ipswich could be boosted by the fact that veteran defender Christophe Berra wants to return to the club where he started his career, meaning they could pick up Paterson as part of the deal.
The Derby Telegraph reported last month that The Rams would have had to pay £1 million for his services in January so the fact that Paterson will be available on a free in the summer may well tempt Steve McClaren to renew his interest as the race for his signature heats up.
Cyrus Christie’s injury problems have meant that the versatile Chris Baird has been forced to step in at fullback but Derby will surely be on the lookout for another orthodox right-back and Paterson may well remain their first-choice.
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