STEVEN GERRARD has warned Everton they will need to 'get real' if they are to land Nathan Patterson after blasting their 'joke' £5million offer for the Rangers right-back.

Patterson has emerged as a target for new Goodison Park manager Rafa Benitez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window and the Premier League side made their move in recent days.

It is understood that Rangers have rebuffed an initial seven-figure approach for the 19-year-old and it remains to be seen whether the Toffees will now return to the negotiating table to test the champions' resolve.

Patterson rose to prominence in the second half of last season as he deputised for captain James Tavernier and his fine form was enough to earn him a place in the Scotland squad for the European Championships.

But he didn't get off the bench at the Global Energy Stadium as Rangers returned to winning ways in the Premiership with victory over Ross County.

“You carry on with the jokes, £5million, wow," Gerrard said when asked about Everton's interest in Patterson after the 4-2 success on Sunday.

“Look, I’ve only just been told about this. It hasn’t been brought to my attention by anyone whose above me at the club.

“I’ll ask the question when I go back on the bus but if you’re going to talk about Nathan Patterson you need to get real.

“£5m is, I don’t know, that’s definitely come out of a joke book surely.

“I don’t make the decisions in terms of when the right numbers are hit. All the players have got a price, we’ve said this so many times. We want to keep all our best players especially our home grown and local ones. There’s a big future here for him he’s got to be patient and he’ll get game time and minutes.

“We’re delighted with Nathan, he’s not someone we’re looking to move on but every single person has got a number. But let me tell you now £5m is so far away it’s unreal.”

Goals from Joe Aribo, Connor Goldson, Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield were enough to secure a deserved win for Rangers as a Harry Clarke strike and Jordan White penalty proved in vain for the Staggies.

Rangers now turn their attentions to the Europa League clash with Alashkert on Thursday night before the first Old Firm clash of the campaign against Celtic next weekend.

Gerrard said: "It was much more like us both in and out of possession.

“I’m a lot happier today. As you can see quite clearly what we are trying to do.

“We are trying to be more organized at times and we are still trying to fine tune that.

“We are still waiting to have a full squad and be fully settled so we will get better.

“I thought we showed a lot of quality today and we created a lot.

“James (Tavernier) had a good chance at the end and it could have been one or two more.

“Going forward we looked really dangerous. We have come away from home and got three important points which is the main thing."