Nathan Patterson conditions, Leon Belcar non negotiable and £2.4m bargain addressed – Rangers transfer state of play
Out of favour Nathan Patterson will reportedly only be allowed to leave Everton if a replacement can be found with a return to Rangers touted.
Philippe Clement is in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with his skipper James Tavernier, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all on the sidelines with the boss in dire need of reinforcements in the January window as he chases down Celtic's 11-point lead at the Scottish Premiership summit. After a tough spell at Goodison Park, reports south of the border had suggested that the Light Blues were among a host of clubs chasing a loan move for the 23-year-old.
It is claimed that Patterson - who has made just three appearances so far this season off the bench for Everton - is open to a move to ramp up his game time and reclaim his spot in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad. However, the Premier League side appear in no rush to move on the right-back.
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With Seamus Coleman injured, veteran Ashley Young has emerged as the first-choice right back for The Toffees. The Liverpool Echo state "it is tough to see the club sanctioning his departure" when it comes to Patterson unless more cover is signed this month.
Elsewhere, Rangers have been linked with a move for Leon Belcar. His current club side are said to willing to allow the midfielder to leave for a fee in the region of £660k with Club Brugge and AZ Alkmaar also showing interest.
Jutarnji report that the 22-year-old is open to a move but "needs a club that will give him the opportunity to play and develop." He is looking for an "opportunity to play on a bigger stage" in Europe.
Iqraam Rayners is also reportedly on Rangers transfer shopping list after netting 12 times in just 16 games for the Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the South African frontman was surprisingly dropped for the clash with Richards Bay by boss Miguel Cardoso - sparking speculation over a quick-fire exit.
Cordova attempted to quell speculation telling Sports Wire: "We have to deal with the conditions. The coach, as they say in England, is a manager. It means that we manage the group. Not only the emotions, the phycological state. But in terms of what is their condition, I have good people around me that also advises and makes my assessment clear of the condition of the players at the moment.
“But games have to be won and sometimes you need to risk.. But I think we got good answers on the players that played. Most of all, we had good commitment.”
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