Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has told Bristol Live his side would welcome back Derby County loanee Jamie Paterson amid reports of a potential return in January.
Paterson joined Derby on a season-long loan on deadline day in the summer.
Several Derby supporters questioned the deal at the time. But to Paterson’s credit, he has made an impact at Pride Park despite his relative lack of first-team opportunities.
A recent report by Bristol Live claims Derby will cut short his loan deal in January with former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney officially joining the club.
Speaking to reporters, Johnson says Paterson will be welcomed back at Ashton Gate.
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Everything is on the table. There is a clause in Jamie’s loan that we can recall him. I’d have no fears or qualms in recalling Jamie. If he comes back it’s certainly a good player to go into the second half of the season with.
Paterson’s move to Derby summed up the club’s poor summer recruitment.
While Krystian Bielik looks to be a top prospect, the Rams failed to replace last year’s loan stars Harry Wilson and Mason Mount leaving the side lacking creativity.
Paterson came off the bench to provide an assist in the 1-1 draw at Leeds United. The former Nottingham Forest man then scored the winner in the home victory over Birmingham City.
But the 27-year-old is similar to Tom Lawrence in terms of attributes. What Derby really lack is a pacey wide player capable of providing for Jack Marriott and Martyn Waghorn.
Paterson has made just five Championship starts with a further five appearances off the bench. Derby, meanwhile, have scored just 20 goals in 19 league games.
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