View: James Sands could be good option for Rangers as Patterson nears exit
Nathan Patterson is reportedly set to leave Rangers to join Everton in the coming days, as both clubs are close to reaching an agreement.
The 20-year-old is expected to undergo his medical this week, and he will negotiate his contract with the Toffees [The Scottish Sun].
According to reports from The Athletic, Giovanni van Bronckhorst could be forced to delve into the market, and New York City FC’s James Sands could emerge as an “intriguing” option for the Gers.
James Tavernier, the club skipper, has a contract at the club till 2024, and he has been superb this season.
The 30-year-old will need cover, and Sands could be a very good signing for the club.
He is a versatile young talent who can play as a centre-back, as a holding midfielder, or as a right-back.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season with the MLS outfit, and a move to Rangers at this point could mark a positive shift in his career.
He is still very young and raw and has the best years ahead of him. He could be a long-term replacement for Tavernier at the club as well.
The deal for Patterson will be a club record, eclipsing the £9million transfer fee Tottenham Hotspur paid for Alan Hutton.
Van Bronckhorst will be given a portion of the fee to reinvest in the squad, and the USA international could be a perfect replacement for Patterson.
In other Rangers news, ‘Pretty straightforward’ – Barry Ferguson makes title prediction