Former Everton and Rangers man Michael Ball believes that the club’s pursuit of Nathan Patterson is a “clever” one ahead of the January transfer window.

The club have been heavily linked with a potential swoop for the young right-back, who is reported to be valued at around £10m.

Patterson has struggled to break into the Rangers side, largely due to the presence of James Tavernier, who is the club captain.

In total, Patterson has made 19 first-team appearances for Steven Gerrard’s side, and has played just three times this term, once in the Europa League qualifiers against Alashkert, and twice in the League Cup, versus Dunfermline Athletic and Livingston.

Ball believes that Everton cannot solely pursue big name acquisitions and need to make sure that they mix youth and experience together throughout the upcoming transfer windows.

Ball said: "I think it’s good that Everton are looking north of the border and trying to be clever.

"We all like big signings, we all like the big name players but moving forward, it’s a mixture of trying to bring in players from the academy, a bit of youth from elsewhere, who can compete in every position, as well as your bigger signings and Nathan is really highly thought of at Rangers."

Patterson is already a full Scotland international with three caps, and he has a contract at Ibrox until 2024.