Nathan Patterson set for head-over-heart call as Sheffield United want Everton outcast

Nathan Patterson has a growing number of options as he edges closer to an Everton exit this summer.

The Scotland international is currently away with his country preparing for the World Cup, which begins in less than a week's time.

Patterson's club future is incredibly uncertain, though, as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his current Everton deal.

Sheffield United are the latest team credited with an interest in Patterson, while former side Rangers have also been strongly linked.

It could leave Patterson with a head-over-heart decision as he works out what is best for his career.

Sheffield United and Rangers both in for Nathan Patterson

Patterson is not fancied one bit by David Moyes, with the right-back mainly being restricted to cameo appearances.

Not only does Patterson not get starts, despite a recognised right-back clearly being needed, he only gets the odd minute from the bench.

The 24-year-old will be fully aware he has no future at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which has been apparent for a while now.

Rangers have long been credited with an interest in Patterson, but The Sheffield Star now reports Sheffield United are also keen.

The Blades would ideally like to bring boyhood fan Kyle Walker back to Bramall Lane, but his wages are too high.

Patterson, who has made 67 appearances for Everton in four-and-a-half years, is therefore being looked at as a much more sensible alternative this summer.

United were also looking at Patterson in January, it is claimed, but instead moved for Ki-Jana Hoever.

The same report suggests that Rangers' interest is a "potential complication", though no official bids have yet been made by either club.

Patterson's valuation could yet increase

Patterson will be grateful to have been called up by Steve Clarke for Scotland's World Cup squad given his lack of football.

If the defender features at the World Cup and impresses, that will only benefit Everton.

As will growing interest, with Sheffield United and Rangers possibly not alone in wanting to sign him.

Everton will simply want to offload to the highest bidder, but the player will also have a say in his future.

If it is a straight shootout between Sheffield United and Rangers, it will be very interesting to see what call he makes.