Liverpool have withdrawn from the race to sign Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson in the January transfer window, according to The Sun‘s Alan Nixon.

The journalist, who is usually reliable for transfer news, claims that the Reds have decided against bidding for the teenager, with Everton now the frontrunners.

It was reported last month that the Toffees had two bids rejected by Rangers for Patterson; the second of which was believed to be in the region of £5m.

It is thought that the Light Blues will hold out for at least double that amount, with offers above £10m only likely to be considered by the Scottish champions.

Everton may, though, go back in for Patterson in the New Year.  A third offer in the summer was only scuppered because the fullback had to self-isolate after being in close contact with someone that had the virus.

It meant that even if Everton had had a bid accepted by the Gers, a move could not have been completed due to quarantine rules. Circumstances will, however, be different in January.