Nana Kasanwirjo's injury has left Philippe Clement short on right-back options
16:57, 12 Dec 2024
(Image: PA)
The possibility of a return to Rangers for out of favour Nathan Patterson reportedly "could open up" with the Everton defender desperate to improve his game time.
The 23-year-old has managed just one 17-minute cameo off the bench for The Toffees in the Premier League this season during the 4-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester United earlier this month. The defender has been hampered by injuries since leaving Ibrox in January 2022 - with the latest blow for Patterson coming when he picked up a horror injury during Everton 's clash with Chelsea in April - leading to him missing out on Euro 2024 with Scotland.
Patterson has been working on his fitness behind the scenes at Goodison Park with run outs for the under-21 team. Ahead of the clash with Arsenal on Saturday, boss Sean Dyche confirmed the right-back had another run out earlier this week in a behind-closed-doors game against Mansfield Town.
But the Daily Mail reports Patterson has made it clear to Dyche he "is keen to secure more game-time" to secure a return to the Scotland squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. It is noted that Rangers are likely to be assessing their right-back options in January following Nana Kasanwirjo's injury.
The Dutch defender returned to parent club Feyenoord after undergoing surgery on damaged knee ligaments suffered while on duty with the Netherlands' Under-21 squad. It is claimed this "could open up the possibility of Patterson returning to Ibrox on loan".
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However, should the Premier League side green light an exit Rangers are unlikely to be the only club eyeing a deal. It is noted that Patterson "is also on the radar of several clubs in the English Championship".
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