If a report from the Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Everton have ended their interest in Rangers star Nathan Patterson. They are now aiming a transfer swoop for Aberdeen teenager Calvin Ramsay and the Gers, therefore, must be having a sigh of relief ahead of the upcoming winter window.
Despite a significant financial loss for failing to qualify for the Champions League group stages, the Bears should not lose one of their prized assets to balance the books. Everton made a couple of bids of around £5m and £8m in summer, however, those offers were swiftly rejected by the Scottish giants.
Rangers, meanwhile, have been seeking a big fee of more than £10m as claimed by the Scottish Sun a couple of days back. But the same outlet has now revealed Rafa Benitez’s change of plans. The Toffees are eyeing a long-term successor of 32-year-old Seamus Coleman and the Dons starlet Ramsey holds all the traits to make it big having cemented the first-team status.
Patterson, 19, progressed through the youth ranks of the Light Blues before bursting into their senior set-up back in January 2020. He went on to feature 14 times last season across competitions and his emergence during the injury absence of skipper James Tavernier earned him a place in Scotland’s EURO 2020 squad.
Why Rangers Should Keep Hold Of Patterson
Although the young right fullback is yet to make a league appearance this term, the glimpses of his mastery depict the ability to emulate Tavernier’s glorious Rangers realm in the long run. The latter is hailed for his marauding runs, crosses, set-piece attributes as well as scoring record, but his frailty in the defensive third on major occasions has often been criticized. Patterson, so far, has exhibited more balance and composure while running down the right-hand flank.
Having said that, Tavernier would still be one of the first names on the team sheet given his impact in clutch situations. The 29-year-old has got a number of years left in his game and it is to be seen now how often Steven Gerrard deploys the Scotsman. He needs first-team football to develop his skills at the highest level and the minutes should come his way with around 60 outings in all competitions throughout the 2021-22 campaign. £10m is not a small amount if we consider Rangers’ monetary constraints, but his valuation would rise further if he fulfils his potential in the forthcoming future.
