Key condition that could see £15m ex-Rangers star make return to Ibrox revealed by EPL boss

The 23-year-old defender moved to Goodison Park for a reported fee of £15million in January 2022, but has struggled to make an impact on Merseyside, with a series of injuries curtailing his impact at the club. Patterson has featured in just three games this year, with Ashley Young ahead of him in the pecking order, which has led to rumours he could be available on a six month loan.

Ruled out of Scotland’s Euro 2024 with injury, Patterson is said to be desperate to play regular first team football again as he aims to regain his place in Steve Clarke’s squad and a temporary return to Ibrox has been mooted. However, Dyche says the club ‘is not looking’ to move on players this month - unless he can add to his squad.

“At the end of the day, our situation here is that we certainly will not be letting anyone go unless we need to,” said Dyche. “Unless, of course, we can swap and change. We want to keep the squad, we have had injuries and been very stretched. We are certainly not looking to have players going out.”

Everton’s desire to hold onto Patterson is understandable with club captain Seamus Coleman currently ruled out with injury, though interesting the Toffees have been strongly linked with a move to two two right-backs in the last few days, which could see the Scottish international become available later in the window.

New Goodison Park owners The Friedkin Group are reported to have set a ‘modest’ budget for Dyche this January, and the head coach is hoping to spend that on defensive reinforcements. According to Turkish media outlet, Takvim, Everton are set to kick start their interest in Danish right-back Elias Jelert, who is said to be available for around £7.5million.

To further complicate matters, Everton are reported to have ‘held talks’ with Flamengo over full-back Wesley, who would cost the club around £16.5million. The 21-year-old has also courted interest from Aston Villa this month, with claims a bid of £12.5million was rejected by the Brazilian outfit yesterday.