Rangers throw spanner in works over Nathan Patterson exit at Everton
The Scotland international has long been linked with an Ibrox return after his departure in 2022.
He traded Govan for Merseyside four years ago, but things haven't really gone to plan in the Premier League.
That has been showcased this campaign as David Moyes opted to hardly utilise the right-back across all competitions.
A Hill Dickinson Stadium exit is now increasingly likely, with Rangers set to complicate a potential move for Patterson.
Rangers could stop Nathan Patterson joining Sheffield United
There is little reason for the defender to stick around in L3 after two difficult seasons.
He has made fewer than 20 appearances in that time, having watched a vast majority of games from the sidelines.
That has seen natural centre-back Jake O'Brien feature on the right instead of Patterson.
He now looks set to leave Everton, with The Star reporting on Friday that Sheffield United are interested in his signature.
Should the Blades follow that up with a bid, there is one potential complication surrounding Rangers.
If the Ibrox club are to make their own move, it could make things difficult for the English Championship side.
Why move for familiar face Patterson makes sense right now
There is certainly need for a new right-back option in Govan right now after the departure of James Tavernier.
The skipper was hardly given the ideal send off by Danny Rohl, but that won't stop his exit from going through.
He won't be easy to replace this summer after so many years as a true talisman at Ibrox.
The best course of action may well be to bring in a familiar face in Patterson after many years away from G51.
That won't spell good news for Sheffield United, but with complications already mooted by the Gers, it seems as if they would lead the race if they wanted to physicalise their interest.