McNaughton's contract expires next season and The Dons are keen to offer him a new deal to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.
Paterson is planning to hold talks with the defender and he is backing him to come back stronger in the new season after an injury-plagued campaign last term.
"Having him fit will be like having a new player. I saw signs in the few games he played that he is back to the sort of form that made him one of the most exciting prospects in the Scottish game," said Paterson.
Meanwhile, Paterson is still on the look-out for a new striker and a defensive midfielder as he plans for next season.
"We might not get our first targets but we will continue to assess who is available, and take as long as is necessary, as we can't afford to make any mistakes," added Paterson.
