Fringe man Nathan Patterson has been told by Everton boss Sean Dyche he won't be allowed to leave with the squad "stretched".
It comes amid swirls over a return to Rangers on loan - with Toffees boss Dyche stating that replacements would have to be found to allow the 23-year-old to leave Goodison Park and ramp up his game time.
Philippe Clement is in the midst of a defensive injury crisis with his skipper James Tavernier, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo all on the sidelines.
The Light Blues and a host of English Championship sides are reportedly interested in signing the right-back on a temporary deal - who has managed just 40 minutes of Premier League football across his three substitute appearances off the bench.
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