Nathan Patterson watches Rangers story repeat as Everton kickstart clearout with James Tavernier 'interest' named

Returning Nathan Patterson may have overcome his injury woes - but the defender will be suffering with a major case of deja vu at Everton.

The 23-year-old has made his return to the bench during The Toffees last two Premier League clash after series of nightmare injury woes. However, he has yet to make it off the bench against Brentford or West Ham meaning his last appearances at first-team level for Everton came all the way back in April in the 6-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Having acted as Seamus Coleman's understudy following his Rangers exit in in January 2022, Sean Dyche is now opting to play Ashley Young in the right-back slot while the Scotland international has been relegated to appearances for the under-21 side. It's a familiar story for Patterson from his days in he Premiership - having acted as cover for James Tavernier throughout the majority of his time at Ibrox.

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And the right-back did himself no favours of earning a first-team recall during his last outing for the second string having been sent off against Watford before his side fell to a 1-0 defeat The Athletic also report that the Goodison Park higher-ups are considering allowing some of their back-up brigade leave on loan to gain first-team experience. Harrison Armstrong and Roman Dixon appear to be heading for the door on Merseyside - but given his limited minutes Patterson may not be far behind.

It comes amid fresh reports in the Middle East of Al-Ettifaq keeping tabs on Tavernier. The skipper has been faced more limited game time this season under Philippe Clement and failed to make it off the bench against Dundee United last weekend.

Michael Beale has now joined Steven Gerrard at Ettifaq and murmurs have continued to tout the captain with a switch. Saudi outlet Shoot claim the former Gers bosses are "interested" in the 33-year-old with January fast approaching.

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