Rangers: Derek McInnes could yet land 'exciting' transfer target he's long-admired

Rangers look set to appoint Derek McInnes as manager, with Danny Rohl expected to depart for Red Bull Salzburg.

The future of Rohl has never been quite as secure as the German may have tried to paint it.

Rohl has been previously linked with a move to manage back on his home turf with Wolfsburg.

However, the 37-year-old publicly shot down those suggestions, stating he was happy at Rangers as he could compete for titles.

Now, though, the German looks set to be replaced with McInnes, who was so ever close to securing the Scottish Premiership title on the final day.

With McInnes arriving, there is sure to be plenty of news surrounding transfer targets and the 54-year-old could link up with a player he once held big admiration for.

Which Rangers transfer target could Derek McInnes now push for?

Rangers have been linked to numerous signings over the last few months and McInnes' arrival will surely exacerbate rumours.

However, one player that has been consistently linked with the Ibrox side has been former academy star Nathan Patterson.

The fullback is currently away with Scotland at the World Cup, so any move would likely have to wait upon his return from America.

While he was linked under the tenure of Rohl, McInnes has followed Patterson's career for quite some time.

Back in 2021, McInnes via the Daily Record, tipped Patterson to accrue a hefty transfer fee based on his qualities. However, his £11million move to Everton did not quite reach the £25m he had predicted.

Additionally, speaking about then-Aberdeen defender Calvin Ramsay, McInnes couldn't help but point out Patterson as well.

He stated: "Each has an inner confidence that lets them play with swagger in the opposition half. They back themselves and do their best work going forward.

"They probably need to get a bit tighter defensively, be a bit less rash but that comes with age. They have similar builds and in full flow they are both exciting."

Patterson is clearly a profile that McInnes enjoys using, having described one of his former stars in comparison to the Everton ace.

Now, the door could be open for McInnes to work with Patterson, and perhaps finally get the best version of him, as he clearly knows where he works and does not work best.

Why Patterson could go to next level under McInnes

Patterson has not had the best time of times since leaving Rangers for Everton.

His minutes have been limited, and injury issues have not helped him break into the squad as the first choice.

However, he is clearly still talented, being selected to represent Scotland at the 2026 World Cup.

With a manager who trusts him, and knows the talent he boasts, he could revive his career at Rangers.

Rangers need a new right-back after James Tavernier's exit, and Patterson makes plenty of sense.