Hutton ‘surprised’ by Rangers amid Patterson exit fears
Alan Hutton has admitted he was “surprised” Rangers managed to keep all their “big-name” players past the end of the transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender admitted he feared some Ibrox stars could be on their way – namely Nathan Patterson.
George Edmundson and Jordan Jones were the only permanent sales made by Rangers this summer.
Nikola Katic, Cedric Itten, Glenn Middleton and Jake Hastie all headed out on loan.
The Daily Mail reported Everton had made a late £8million bid for promising right-back Patterson.
Hutton admitted he was thrilled Rangers had kept hold of their top talent for another summer.
Asked if he was surprised there had been no big-name departures, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I am surprised.
“I think Steven Gerrard will sleep a lot easier tonight knowing he’s kept hold of all his big-name players.
“If you sell two or three of those players to balance the books for the Champions League situation, you’re making it more difficult to retain the title. You’re getting rid of your big stars.
“As we sat here today and he’s kept them all, it’s absolutely brilliant. All Rangers fans will be breathing a sigh of relief after that.
“It’s good to see they’re heading in the right direction of the people. The people they have brought in have done well, along with the people that are already there which is excellent.
“The one main thing I’m happy about is Nathan Patterson staying.
“When that was really ramping up and the bids were coming in, I thought it might be enough for Rangers to sell.
“I’m glad to see him stay and hopefully he can kick on now.”
In other news, Rangers still trying to offload big earner after deadline day.