Rangers are picking up the pace in terms of the work getting done behind the scenes to bring new players in as Philippe Clement looks to lift morale around the club.
A new winger, central midfielder and centre-half have been linked in recent days but there are still other issues around the squad that the manager has to fix.
Given James Tavernier’s faltering form and advancing years, Rangers might want to consider looking south of the border for a player who knows Ibrox well and his way around Auchenhowie as his status at his own club comes under threat.
Nathan Patterson set to drop down Everton pecking order
With David Ornstein reporting that Everton are interested in signing Kieran Trippier from Newcastle United, Nathan Patterson must be wondering what he does to get a game under Sean Dyche – other than age 10 years.
Yet to feature this season, Patterson has only just returned to full training with the first-team squad following a hamstring injury that saw him miss the European Championships with the Everton boss explaining via Liverpool World why their match with Spurs comes too soon:
“He’s just coming back with the group to train but obviously he’s had an extended period out. So there is no expectation of him playing yet but he is literally just crossing over with the group to train, generally.”
Should Everton sign Trippier, at 33, he would still be younger than Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young, who got sent off on match day one.
Patterson at career crossroads with game time desire
At 22-years old, when he is fit, Patterson needs to be playing more regularly so that he can rediscover the form that saw him earn a then club record move to the Premier League in a £12m transfer.
Speaking before his latest injury, Patterson was fully aware of his situation:
“Obviously I’m not playing as much as I would like to play but sometimes that’s just football and I’m not the type of person that will just give up.
“I’ll keep training hard and working hard and try and make sure I give myself the best opportunity to get game time.
“The last Euros was my first camp so it was a new experience for me. I was just really looking forward to take everything in and I’ve done that.
“I feel as if I’ve matured as a player and as a person as well so this time I’m looking forward to it again. Hopefully I can play more games and hopefully we can make it through the group and make it a better experience than last time.”
Everton’s bargaining position wouldn’t be a particularly strong one if the sign Trippier to add to their collection of veteran right-backs.
Due to his recent injury issues, a loan to buy move could be the sort of option that the Toffees would entertain and also the sort that would protect a buying club.
Rangers have Dujon Sterling to cover Tavernier, a role he has only fleetingly been played in, however, signing Patterson on loan would free him up for midfield – a position where he has excelled.
With a week to go until the transfer window closes, the former Gers right-back could be on the move, will he be packing his bags for home though?
