Sean Dyche reveals 'long term plan' for ex-Rangers star amid rumblings of Everton transfer decision

Sean Dyche has spoken of a longer-term plan surrounding one former Rangers star currently with Everton.

Nathan Patterson joined the Premier League club in 2022, a deal worth £16m, a move that broke the Rangers transfer record at the time. A lack of regular selection and injuries have disrupted his progress south of the border, while it also ruled him out of Scotland contention for Euro 2024.

A serious hamstring injury picked up last term has ruled him out since the spring and he is yet to return to the senior fold. Patterson has played some Premier League 2 games ahead of this weekend’s match in the top flight between Everton and Ipswich Town.

There have been rumblings ahead of the game that the Everton thinking is to move Patterson on next summer if he can’t cement right-back as his own this season. Seamus Coleman has been the long-term regular in that role at Goodison Park with James Garner also playing there recently.

Boss Dyche has addressed the situation surrounding the former Rangers man. He says that Patterson is not quite ready to return to his senior plans on a matchday, but there is a plan with the long-term in mind already set in motion.

He said to Sky Sports: "He is just on his longer-term plan to get him back. He is looking fitter and sharper all the time. Not quite there yet, but he is training all the time and so far he has come through it clear of injuries which is really important."