Rangers have been linked with a move for Newcastle United ace Jacob Murphy recently, and if he were to make the move to Ibrox this summer, it could prove to be bad news for Nathan Patterson's hopes of becoming a first team regular under Steven Gerrard next season.
According to Football Insider, both Rangers and Southampton are interested in signing the 26-year-old from Newcastle United ahead of next season, with the Toon reportedly willing to sell him for as little as £3m this summer.
Whilst the former Norwich City man has spent much of his career playing as a winger, he has been deployed as a right wing-back by Steve Bruce in recent weeks and has averaged an impressive 7.09 WhoScored rating across his six appearances in that position, with two goals to his name.
After spending last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, the Englishman's future at St James' Park looked bleak, but Bruce blocked his departure and he has established himself as a regular in the Premier League since the turn of the year.
If he were to join Gerrard's side this summer, he could continue featuring as a right-back, having struggled for goals and assists when playing further forward in the Premier League.
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Although the 26-year-old might struggle to get into the team ahead of captain James Tavernier, he would certainly be challenging to be second choice at right-back behind the club captain.
This could spell trouble for Patterson, who has earned rave reviews this season when filling in for the injured Tavernier and looks to have a very bright future at Ibrox.
However, he is just 19 and may lose out to a more experienced professional such as Murphy, so perhaps we would see him go out on loan or simply be expected to compete for a backup role.
Patterson certainly impressed in his last outing, with Gerrard labelling his performance in the 2-1 win against Hibernian as "outstanding", so it would be a shame if the youngster struggles for game-time next season after progressing so well recently.
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Unfortunately, if the £3.15m-rated Murphy does make the move to Ibrox this summer and continues his recent strong form as a right-back, it is difficult to see where Patterson fits in.
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