McLeish makes ‘incredible’ Rangers claim as ‘paltry’ Patterson bid reported
Alex McLeish has claimed Everton’s reported £5million bid for Nathan Patterson is an insult to Rangers and the Scottish game.
The former Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the six-figure offer is a “paltry” amount for a rising star with both club and country.
As reported by the Mirror (22nd August), Everton tabled a £5million offer for the 19-year-old and are pushing hard for a deal.
The Liverpool Echo claim the offer has been rejected by the Glasgow giants.
Steven Gerrard was quoted as claiming the £5million valuation had “come out of a joke book”.
McLeish suggested Everton were testing the water for a player yet to nail down a starting spot at Ibrox.
However, he insisted £5million is a long way off Patterson’s value.
Asked if Everton’s reported offer was an insult to Rangers and the Scottish game, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You would definitely say that with the potential Patterson’s got.
“Again, he’s been called up by Steve Clarke despite not playing in the first team every week.
“There is massive competition there. There are players who have won a league and there are players who are just trying to break through. Players trying to show they can win a league and trophies with Rangers.
“The competition is incredible but Patterson, to be already linked with Premier League clubs…. £5million is a very, very paltry bid.
“Everton are probably just throwing a flier at it and saying: “Well, he’s not really getting a game. Would Rangers take that money?’
“He’s still in Gerrard’s plans but he’s not the starting full-back.”
In other news, McLeish claims major news has come at “worst time possible” for Rangers ahead of Celtic showdown.