Kevin Phillips has urged Rangers to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, describing a potential £8 million deal as a 'no-brainer'. The former Sunderland striker believes the 26-year-old would be an excellent addition for the Scottish giants.
Butland's future uncertain as Patterson impresses on loan
New Rangers boss Derek McInnes could be in the market for a shotstopper this summer, with doubts hanging over the future of number one Jack Butland. The 33-year-old former England international is in the final year of his contract at Ibrox and has been touted for an exit.
Black Cats keeper Patterson has been linked as a possible successor after a standout loan at Millwall. He conceded just 17 goals in 18 games, recording seven clean sheets, as the Lions narrowly missed out on promotion via the Championship play-offs.
Patterson likely to leave Sunderland for regular game time
With Dutch international Robin Roefs the undisputed first-choice at the Stadium of Light, Patterson is expected to move on from the Premier League high-flyers in search of more game time. It is believed the 26-year-old would command a fee of around £8 million.
Phillips, speaking on behalf of Best Betting Sites, said: 'That seems like nothing, doesn't it, for any player nowadays, £8-10m, for a player that's performed as he has. We all know he's a very, very good goalkeeper. Of course, it's a different ballgame when you go up to Scotland, you're playing for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. But I think he's got the mentality to deal with that.'
'I think if they secure his services for between £8-10m, I think that's going to be excellent business, absolutely excellent business. And he goes up there, does well for a couple of seasons... you might end up selling for even more, so it could turn out to be a bit of an asset as well. He can certainly compete in that league, no problem whatsoever, and that £8-10m for me, it's a no-brainer.'
McInnes appointment hailed as 'major coup'
Meanwhile, Phillips reckons Rangers have pulled off a major coup by landing McInnes from Hearts. Ibrox supremos moved swiftly to lure the SPFL managerial veteran from Tynecastle after sanctioning Danny Rohl's exit to RB Salzburg.
Lifelong fan McInnes was a nine-in-a-row hero during his own playing days in Govan and will aim to get his hands on the league title after coming so close with Hearts last term. Phillips believes the ex-Aberdeen and Kilmarnock boss fits Rangers' DNA.
'I think his character, we've already seen that, haven't we, in his managerial career? I just remember him as a tough player, midfielder, liked to get stuck in, an organiser, leader on the pitch. He liked to bark orders. You kind of get the impression that he's taking that into his managerial style,' Phillips said.
'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. 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.'
Ross McCrorie return not ruled out
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh promised fans that Rangers would target more Scottish players this summer. Bristol City utility man Ross McCrorie is one of the names that refuses to go away. The 28-year-old came through the ranks at Ibrox and has established himself as one of the top performers in the EFL Championship. With his contract expiring next summer, Gers could land him in a cut-price deal.
Phillips insists the Robins would be open to doing business so long as they have a suitable replacement lined up. He added: 'From Ross's point of view, he was at Rangers before. So yeah, one of your better players leaving is always a blow, but the biggest thing is, can you replace him? Rangers would be getting a player that they know, who's been there, and I don't think you'd have any issues. So as long as you get that right player, then it's not a problem.'
