Ryan Gravenberch will make his return against Manchester United (Credits: Imago Images)
New Rangers manager Derek McInnes is expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as he looks to reshape the Ibrox squad.
One of the most pressing needs is in goal, with uncertainty surrounding the future of current number one Jack Butland, who is 33 and entering the final year of his contract.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Butland, following a highly impressive loan spell at Millwall in the Championship.
Patterson conceded just 17 goals in 18 appearances during his time at Millwall, keeping seven clean sheets as the Lions narrowly missed out on promotion through the play-offs.
With Dutch international Robin Roefs firmly established as Sunderland’s first-choice keeper, Patterson is expected to seek a permanent move in search of regular game time.
The 26-year-old is believed to command a transfer fee of around £8million, a figure that Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips describes as outstanding value.
Phillips said: “I think if they secure his services for between £8-10m, I think that’s going to be excellent business, absolutely excellent business.”
Phillips went further, suggesting the move could even prove financially rewarding down the line, adding: “He can certainly compete in that league, no problem whatsoever, and that £8-10m for me, it’s a no-brainer.”
Beyond the goalkeeper position, Phillips also backed Rangers’ decision to appoint McInnes, describing the move as a major coup for the club.
McInnes arrives from Hearts, where he came agonisingly close to winning the Scottish Premiership title last season, with Rangers sanctioning Danny Rohl’s departure to RB Salzburg before moving swiftly for the experienced manager.
Phillips said of the appointment: “The job he did at Hearts last season was fantastic, to get them that close to the title, and then just getting pipped at the end, just shows you what type of character he is.”
The former player also drew on his impressions of McInnes from his playing days, noting his qualities as a tough-tackling, organisational midfielder who has carried those leadership traits into management.
Phillips added: “So I have no problems with him stepping into one of the toughest jobs in Europe managing Rangers. I’m excited to see how he does, but I think he’s got the capabilities and the mentality of doing a very, very good job there.”
McInnes is a lifelong Rangers fan who was part of the squad during the club’s famous nine-in-a-row era, giving him a deep personal connection to the club he now leads.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has publicly promised supporters that Rangers will prioritise signing Scottish players this summer, adding further direction to the club’s transfer strategy.
One player linked with a return to Ibrox is Bristol City’s Ross McCrorie, who progressed through Rangers’ academy and has since become one of the standout performers in the EFL Championship.
The 28-year-old’s contract at Bristol City expires next summer, meaning Rangers could potentially secure his services in a cut-price deal rather than paying a full market fee.
Phillips suggested Bristol City would be open to selling McCrorie provided they could find an adequate replacement, saying: “Rangers would be getting a player that they know, who’s been there, and I don’t think you’d have any issues.”
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