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Nathan Patterson may be open to leaving Rangers and joining Everton as he struggles to dislodge James Tavernier. 

That’s according to BBC Radio pundit Noel Whelan, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Patterson has been limited to just two starts in Rangers’ first 20 Premiership matches this season, with Tavernier selected for the other 18. Indeed, more than a quarter of his total game-time so far in 2021/22 has come in the Scottish League Cup.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has written that ‘figuring out how to use Nathan Patterson’ is one of the key challenges facing Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Ibrox. The youngster has started just two of the Dutchman’s nine matches in charge so far.

Everton made two attempts to sign the 20-year-old last summer and are expected to renew their pursuit when the January transfer window opens next week (via The Guardian).

The latest

Whelan reckons that Patterson could succeed 33-year-old Seamus Coleman at Goodison Park or even slot in at left-back after Lucas Digne reportedly fell out with Rafael Benitez.

The former Aberdeen striker added that, while the youngster has looked a ‘top talent’, the presence of Tavernier limits his prospects at Rangers.

Whelan told Football Insider: “Obviously we know that Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger in that right-back spot. There’s also an opportunity for him on the left with the Lucas Digne situation, he could fill in there.

“He’s played there for Rangers recently. Even though he’s a top talent, it’s bound to be hard to get in the side ahead of the skipper, James Tavernier.

“We’ve seen him really impress for Scotland as well and he’s shown he can be a brilliant attacking talent as well on international duty. From what I know, he’s got a lot of potential.”

The verdict

You can see why Van Bronckhorst may be reluctant to leave Tavernier on the bench or alter his position. The skipper has recorded more goal involvements (14) than anybody else in the Gers squad from his right-back berth.

Indeed, if you go by WhoScored metrics, he has been Rangers’ highest-performing player this season, averaging a rating of 7.79/10.

Intriguingly, Van Bronckhorst managed to fit both players into the team against Dundee United recently by selecting Patterson on the left. Perhaps he’ll need to do that more often in the interests of the youngster’s development and indeed his transfer value.

In other news, many Rangers fans gushed over this Allan McGregor claim

Paulo Dybala is still being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur, according to recent claims…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, journalist Pete O’Rourke revealed:

“I think Dybala, [a] long-term target under [Mauricio] Pochettino, I’m sure he will definitely be on the list in the summer but I think lots of clubs in Europe will be interested in the playmaker this summer on a free transfer, potentially.”

The 28-year-old came very close to signing for Spurs during the summer of 2019, only for a deal to fall through at the final hurdle over image rights. He has regularly been linked with a switch ever since then.

Conte needs him

This time, however, he’s a player that Antonio Conte could really do with in north London.

The January transfer window saw the Italian let three, potentially four, of his more creative outlets depart the club in record signing Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Dele Alli and Byran Gil.

Not as if any were performing at the level required anyway but there has been a severe lack of imagination in the final third, often leaving the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son to provide for themselves. After all, they led pretty much every attacking department last term.

Again, this season, the South Korean tops the charts for goals scored (eight), assists (three) and key chances created (1.9 per game) in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

Three of the four behind him in the latter regard are defenders, so the likes of Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon have been more creative than any of the departed quarter, which speaks volumes.

But it does leave Conte without an outlet in the heart of the pitch – something that Dybala could aid and not only that, he’ll provide Kane with some backup, too.

Despite being hampered by injury this campaign, the Juve man has still delivered 11 goals and five assists, averaging a direct contribution once every 101 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

He was once dubbed an “unbelievable player” who does “breathtaking” things by former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, whilst Serie A expert Conor Clancy believes his presence would aid Kane tenfold.

“I feel like he’d be unstoppable with Kane because he’s not a number nine, so he’s got to be playing alongside a striker like that,” he told Football FanCast back in the summer.

The £45m-rated dynamo also possesses a career average of two dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game (via WhoScored) only bolsters his threat, ball playing and carrying ability in the attacking third.

He’s got to be someone that Conte would surely love to sign this summer. He’d be a steal on a free transfer, too.

AND in other news, Conte could take Spurs to the next level by signing £27m-rated “leader” who he’d love him…

Get German Football News editor-in-chief Daniel Pinder believes that RB Leipzig star Marcel Sabitzer would be an excellent signing for Tottenham Hotspur, and has told Football FanCast that he could be a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen.

Spurs sold Eriksen to Inter Milan in January of last season, banking £16.9m as his contract ran down, but they have yet to truly replace the Denmark international.

The signings of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele have helped add some guile and hard-running to the midfield but neither of the players are genuine playmakers, as Eriksen was.

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move to sign Sabitzer from RB Leipzig, with the player capable of playing in a wide variety of roles, and Bild, via Sport Witness, report that he’d cost them €42m (£35m).

This season, he has scored seven goals and laid on three assists in 24 appearances in the Bundesliga and Pinder, who is the editor of Get German Football News, thinks he would be a worthy successor to Eriksen.

Indeed, he believes that, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg already in the midfield, he could form an excellent partnership with the Denmark international.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, Pinder said: “I think he’d bring a lot to Tottenham. He’s very similar to Christian Eriksen, he’s that sort of player that Spurs have been missing in midfield.

“During his time at Leipzig, Sabitzer played much further forward but this season he’s played deeper, been creating from deep but with that, he’s very versatile, whether it’s central midfield, attacking midfield, winger, he’s even played striker this season, so I think for Spurs he’d be an excellent signing.

“I think he’d slot straight into that starting XI, and alongside players like Hojbjerg I think that partnership could be a decent pairing in the middle.”

In total, Sabitzer has scored 51 goals and laid on 41 assists in 222 appearances.

Everton are reportedly now in fresh talks to sign Brennan Johnson in the summer.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The Welshman is certainly having a standout season at Nottingham Forest, where he has managed no fewer than 15 goals and a further nine assists in the Championship so far (Transfermarkt), playing a big part in their promotion push.

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He has recently picked up the division’s Young Player of the Season award, and at just 20 years of age, his ceiling is quite high.

The Latest: Everton talks with Johnson

As per The Independent, Johnson’s representatives have held ‘productive meetings’ with Everton ‘in the last week’, although their ability to sign him may depend on whether they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Brentford have already offered personal terms to the Wales international, while Leicester City, Newcastle United and Villarreal are also interested in his signature.

Johnson is ‘unlikely’ to sign a new deal at Forest unless they get promoted, with his current contract set to expire in 2023. He is ‘expected’ to go for a fee of between £20m and £25m, should they end up selling him this summer.

The Verdict: Sign him

Johnson is one of the rising stars of British football, so it would be a real coup for the Toffees if they can attract him to Merseyside, especially with the spectre of relegation a clear and present threat.

Described as a ‘different animal’ on the pitch by Paul Bodin, who worked with him when in charge of Wales’ under-19s and later with the under-21s, Johnson seemingly has the fire in his belly to make something happen for his team, which is the kind of character that Frank Lampard’s side could really use right now.

Nonetheless, perhaps with a few players sold, £20m-£25m should be an affordable price range for Everton.

In other news, these were Everton’s three worst performers against Liverpool

According to recent reports, West Ham United are one of a number of clubs tracking Sparta Prague centre-forward, Adam Hlozek, ahead of a potential summer transfer.

The report by Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) claims that a number of clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Napoli, Juventus, AC Milan and West Ham, are considering a summer move for the 18-year-old Hlozek, who has recently recovered from a long spell on the sidelines due to injury.

However, despite missing a large portion of the season, the Czech Republic international has still impressed over his 10 appearances in all competitions for Sparta Prague, scoring four goals and providing six assists.

In total, despite his tender age, the forward already has 72 first-team appearances under his belt for the Fortuna Liga side, scoring a total of 17 goals and providing 18 assists along the way in his senior career.

And, according to the reports, Hlozek would have already made a move to a top European side if it were not for his injury, with it previously being reported that Sparta Prague would demand at least €15 million (£13 million) to part with the striker.

Transfer Tavern Take

With David Moyes in rather desperate need of a new striker at West Ham this summer, having failed to replace the outgoing Sebastien Haller in the January transfer window, it would certainly appear as if Hlozek is an exciting candidate for an addition to the Scot’s attacking arsenal.

However, with a great number of top-level clubs also reported to be keeping an eye on the 18-year-old, a deal for the Sparta Prague starlet is not likely to be an easy one to get over the line for the West Ham board in the summer market.

In other news: This pundit dropped a claim on GSB’s £82k-p/w West Ham summer target – find out more here!

Leeds United have been name-checked as one of the sides interested in signing England U21 international Noni Madueke this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Marcelo Bielsa’s side have already put out feelers for the PSV star over a potential summer move.

The Daily Mail then claimed that the winger is valued at around £15m, although the Whites were likely to face competition from the likes of Leicester and AC Milan.

Now, Foot Mercato have revealed that several clubs across Europe are eyeing a potential move for the exciting winger after his impressive spell at PSV, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side one of them.

A new Raphinha

When this Premier League campaign is fully said and done, there’s no questioning that Raphinha will be right up there with the signings of the season. The Brazilian has been an absolute revelation at Elland Road, managing six goals and six assists in the top flight and bringing some real excitement to Elland Road with his tricks and fearlessness.

In Madueke, Leeds could find someone who is incredibly similar with his explosiveness, skills and a wand of a left foot.

Former England under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd hailed his ability, saying: “He’s a powerhouse of a player, technically very good, left-footed and likes to come in off the side of the pitch, off the right and go and link.

“He’s got a goal in him, he’s very creative. He’s got a massive smile, a lovely kid. The lads have taken to him, as they would because he’s a good player, he has that respect for what he’s done at PSV.”

Meanwhile, former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte also raved about the England teenager, declaring (via Goal): “He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions. That’s what PSV needs.”

And, with suggestions that Helder Costa could be set for an exit from Elland Road too, Leeds could wave goodbye to the Portuguese ace and welcome one of England’s most exciting young talents in the process.

Meanwhile, this Leeds United transfer target would be a major upgrade…

Celtic have reportedly made a €4m (£3.4m) bid for left-back Aaron Hickey, and a number of Hoops fans have duly been sharing their thoughts on the transfer news on social media.

According to Il Resto del Carlino, as relayed by Video Celts, the Hoops have offered Bologna €4m (£3.4m) for the defender. Hickey admitted himself recently that he is ‘fully aware’ of the interest in his services, and it seems as if Celtic have now firmed up their interest with a bid.

The 19-year-old, who can play anywhere across the backline, is valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt and still has three years remaining on his Bologna contract.

He made 11 Serie A appearances last season after joining from Hearts last September, but it seems that a quick return to Scotland could well be on the cards.

Celtic fans react

@aboutceltic shared Il Resto del Carlino’s claim regarding Celtic’s offer for Hickey on Twitter. Here is what these Hoops supporters had to say, with many excited at the news.

“Ralston/Oghouhide/Welsh/Hickey. Slowly but surely it’s falling into place”Credit: @Kieran_Sellick”He’s the real deal. And he’ll only get better. Better snapping him up for £3-4million now than being out-priced next year when he’s worth double…”Credit: @TheRyanMcGinlay”Good 2 footed player, can also play RB I would be happy if signed him.”Credit: @_iamthepaul”Get him and Doig in. Few younger lads coming through academy hopefully get a shot too.”Credit: @southdownbhoy11″He’s class, should’ve signed him last year and made him first choice”Credit: @seanmarkus_67″Hopefully he comes back to his rightful home! Shouldn’t have got rid of him to Hearts in the first place”Credit: @KevinTwist67

In other news: ‘Yaaaaassss’, ‘This is outstanding’ – Many Celtic fans erupt at ‘quality’ club post, find out more here.

In an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, doesn’t think Jose Mourinho should be looking to sign Joelinton, despite his good history in games against Tottenham Hotspur.

During the fall out from Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Newcastle, Robbie Earle, from NBC Sports, claimed that Mourinho could do a lot worse than sign Joelinton, who has scored two goals in four games against Spurs.

Since Joelinton arrived in 2019 for a club-record £40 million, he has scored just eight goals and got seven assists in 70 games, with his best performance coming during that 2-2 draw.

Speaking on Earle’s Joelinton claim and how one performance does not all of a sudden make him a good player, Howey told The Transfer Tavern:

“I’m a bit surprised at his statement. The frustrating thing about Joelinton is he’s six-foot-one and a big strong boy with a good touch, and you see him at times and he shrugs people off the ball, but other times you could just blow him over.

“The question is why can’t he do it consistently? As I said, one performance doesn’t all of a sudden mean he should be playing for Tottenham Hotspur.”

Spurs suffered another blow to their Champions League hopes as they were swept aside by Manchester United while Chelsea, West Ham and Liverpool all won last weekend.

It was reported last week that Harry Kane will look to ask Daniel Levy for a move away if Spurs fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

Pundit Noel Whelan has dropped a big claim involving Tottenham’s links to Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Tottenham hold Pochettino talks

As per BBC Sport, Spurs have held talks with Pochettino over a potential return to North London, although there has been no contact with PSG over the matter.

Ryan Mason is still in interim charge at the moment, but given that talks are being held with other managers, it looks very unlikely that he will get the job on a permanent basis.

The Latest: Whelan lauds potential Pochettino appointment

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who is now a pundit after a stellar footballing career playing for the likes of Leeds United and Coventry City, has lauded the potential appointment of Pochettino, and does not understand why he was sacked in the first place:

“I think if you can get him, he’s a fantastic appointment.

“I also think it’s one of the biggest farces in football. Letting him go when they shouldn’t have let him go and bringing in Jose Mourinho. I just think why did you let him go in the first place? 

“It was such a bad decision to get rid of him, one of the best up-and-coming managers. He had the most successful season Tottenham have had for a long, long time taking them to the Champions League final, finishing second one season. 

“I mean, what were they thinking anyway? It just seems ridiculous the way they got rid of a really good manager. He was snapped up by one of the biggest clubs in European football in PSG because they knew what a good manager they could have.

“I’m pleased he might be back in English football, absolutely. We benefit and so will Tottenham.”

The Verdict: Tottenham should avoid Pochettino for now

There is no doubt that Pochettino did a lot of great things while managing the Lilywhites, none more so than getting them to a UEFA Champions League final, as well as achieving four successive top-four finishes in the Premier League, which is hard to do considering the quality of the division and the size of their budgets compared to the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, the Argentine never won a trophy during his time in North London, and managers are judged on what the win for their respective clubs.

Jose Mourinho was brought in with the hope that he could deliver a trophy to THFC, given what he had won in the past. He managed to get them to a Carabao Cup final, but was sacked shortly before it, perfectly encapsulating the sort of luck the club have had around silverware recently.

Spurs do need a serial winner though, who is capable of delivering trophies to the club, and ‘Poch’ does not fit this profile.

However, manager options may be limited if the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte get snapped up, and given that the 49-year-old has still proved himself to be a promising coach, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him return.

In other news, find out what Daniel Levy has done to try and convince Pochettino to join here!

Southampton produced a superb performance against Manchester City on Saturday as they held Pep Guardiola’s side to a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

The Saints have now drawn four straight games in the Premier League, having picked up a point apiece against Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham heading into the weekend. This is after they lost 3-1 to Everton on the opening day of the season, with Ralph Hasenhuttl making his side hard to beat since.

Despite the positive result yesterday, one player who struggled to make his mark on the game for the Saints in Manchester was Che Adams.

The Southampton forward was selected up front alongside Adam Armstrong after missing out against West Ham but failed to stake his claim for a place in the starting XI next weekend. He struggled offensively and in general play as he was unable to make his mark on the match.

Going forward, Adams did not make an impact. As per SofaScore, he had one shot (which was off target) and created one chance in 68 minutes, whilst attempting zero crosses, long passes or dribbles. This shows that he did not provide enough quality to test the Manchester City defence, with Ederson untroubled by the Scotland international throughout the match.

His general play was also concerning. As per SofaScore, he lost 69% of his duels on the pitch, losing eight of his 10 aerial battles and one of his three duels on the ground. He also had just 20 touches of the ball, less than half of goalkeeper Alex McCarthy’s 41, and lost possession nine times from those 20 touches.

This shows that he was not strong enough physicality to win his 50-50s against Manchester City defenders and also that he was not secure in possession of the ball. He was unable to provide a reliable outlet up front for the Saints, which meant that they were not able to build upon the clean sheet the back four was able to preserve.

It will be interesting to see who Hasenhuttl selects up front against Wolves in the Premier League next weekend after this disappointing performance from Adams. He let the Austrian down, but he may be given some slack given that it was against the reigning champions, with a Carabao Cup clash against Sheffield United potentially giving him an opportunity to redeem himself in midweek.

AND in other news, 86% duels won: Southampton gem repaid Hasenhuttl’s faith with superb Man City display…