Millwall, Sheffield United and Wrexham should battle Rangers for £16m Everton outcast | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at three clubs that should look to sign Nathan Patterson this summer

Scottish right-back Nathan Patterson looks to be on the cusp of an exit from Everton this summer, with his game time having dwindled since his eight-figure move from Rangers in January 2022.

Patterson was once one of the most highly sought-after young players in Europe following his breakthrough with Rangers, with Everton winning the race for his signature in the winter of 2022, parting ways with a potential £16 million to bring him to Merseyside.

However, since his lucrative switch, things haven’t panned out nearly the way anyone would have hoped.

With the veteran Seamus Coleman providing strong competition upon his arrival, and Jake O’Brien having since emerged as David Moyes’ preferred candidate at right-back, Patterson has been left out in the cold.

Now approaching four-and-a-half years as a Toffee, the 24-year-old has made just 55 Premier League appearances, never nailing down his place in the side.

With the season drawing to a close, Patterson will likely be on the move. Former club Rangers have been credited with a link to the right-back, as have other clubs across Europe, with FLW taking a look at three Championship clubs that should try to convince him to snub European interest in favour of them this summer.

Millwall

Millwall retain real ambitions of Premier League football next season, with the Lions set to push both Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town all the way for the second automatic spot, with Coventry City all but champions barring a huge slip-up.

Under Alex Neil, the London club have gone to the next level, and after missing out on the top six last season, is determined not to do so this time around.

Tristan Crama, along with Femi Azeez, has arguably been Millwall's best player this season, with the Frenchman's displays at both right-back and centre-back being exemplary.

Though he is best in the middle alongside Jake Cooper, leaving 33-year-old Ryan Leonard and 27-year-old Danny McNamara as Neil's other two options in that position.

Both have been wonderful servants at The Den, racking up over 200 appearances in Leonard's case and over 150 in McNamara's case during their time at the club, though if Millwall are to kick on, upgrades will have to be made.

Neil should set his sights on compatriot Patterson this summer, with the Everton defender's contract set to expire in 18 months, meaning the Toffees will surely try to cash in on him this summer, whilst they still can.

Regardless of what division they find themselves in next season, Patterson should be a priority target for Millwall, as he could well help to elevate them to the next level.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United's campaign looks set to dwindle out, with the play-off places now looking out of their reach, whilst the threat of relegation is highly unlikely.

Wilder has done an excellent job since returning to Bramall Lane following his short stint away, picking up from the mess made by his predecessor, Ruben Selles.

The 58-year-old was not afforded a summer transfer window, leaving him scrambling for recruits during the January window, whilst both Jairo Riedewald and Patrick Bamford joined as free agents shortly after his arrival.

With parachute payments set to run out this summer, it looks like it will be a busy off-season at Bramall Lane, with many incomings and outgoings expected.

First-choice right-back Femi Seriki has been coincidentally linked with a move away to Everton as of late, whilst Ki-Jana Hoever is only on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Jamie Shackleton's future at the club is in doubt.

If Moyes targets Seriki, he could well use Patterson as part of any deal that would see the Blades defender head to Merseyside.

The Scot needs a career revival, and Sheffield United could be the perfect place to bring him back into the limelight.

Wrexham

Wrexham, like Millwall, harness serious ambitions of top-flight football next season, with the Welsh outfit looking for their fourth consecutive promotion in a row under Phil Parkinson.

Whilst they have been able to outspend many of their opponents during their rise, their achievements should not be diminished.

Parkinson has preferred to utilise a back three system this campaign, with wing-backs an imperative component of his side, as Liberto Cacace and George Thomason have covered on the left, whilst Issa Kabore and Ryan Longman have covered on the right.

However, Kabore is only on loan, with his loan move from Manchester City not certain to become a permanent move.

If the Burkina Faso international does not switch to North Wales permanently, another option will be needed in that area, and Patterson could fit the mould.

Capable of playing in a back three or four, Patterson's energy down the right flank would be highly useful for Parkinson's side, and at only 24, with the Scot's career having been on a downward trajectory for a while, joining a club which has only been going up may be the best way to resurrect his career.