Nathan Patterson's future to be decided by external factor as Everton priority clear
And there remains a very strong chance that it will happen before the next Premier League campaign gets underway
The Scotland international has stuggled massively with fitness, and when avaialable, has rarely done enough to warrant his place in the squad.
Everton seemed intent on adding a new right-back to the squad last winter, though with failed attempts for the likes of Brook Norton-Cuffy, that pursuit will live on through the summer.
Patterson remains one of the most likely to depart in the coming months, and that exit may be accelerated dependent on what happens at the World Cup.
How the World Cup could shape Nathan Patterson's future
Scotland will be looking to prove everyone wrong this summer, and that will be a similar task in the mind of Patterson.
The Everton defender will be hoping he can prove his fitness at the very least, while also making a good enough impression to attract potential suitors.
A return to Rangers has been mooted for some time now, and with James Tavernier's exit from Ibrox already announced, it's clear that it will be an area in which they look to recruit.
If Patterson can impress with his country at the World Cup, then his chances of sealing a move away from Merseyside will increase drastically.
Everton's summer priority already clear
Adding more firepower to the forward line will be one priority, though the addition of a right-back will be another.
Everton have already been linked with Aaron Wan-Bissaka after he suffered relegation with West Ham, but whether he would be the right fit is up for debate
The Toffees need someone who can contribute at both ends of the pitch, potentially leaving the door open for them to return with an offer for Norton-Cuffy.
One way or another, it would be a major oversight from Everton if they failed to recruit in that area of their squad before they return to Premier League action later this year.