Interest in one Sunderland star is really starting to heat up ahead of the summer. And it’s not Jack Clarke.
Sunderland look set to oversee some big money player sales in the summer.
And Clarke looks like the most likely candidate to be leaving the Stadium of Light for big money in the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed another standout year in the Championship and after the Black Cats fended off interest from Lazio and Burnley this season, a summer sale now seems nailed on.
But there’s other players attracting interest too, and perhaps none more so than Anthony Patterson.
Transfer interest in Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson
Despite being only 23 years old, Patterson is very much a senior player in this Sunderland side.
The Sunderland academy man has already racked up 119 total appearances for the Black Cats, keeping 35 clean sheets in that time too.
He’s played every minute of this season so far and has kept 11 clean sheets.
And despite mixed reviews at times, Patterson continues to see transfer interest him increase ahead of the summer.
Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on Patterson ahead of the summer, with Leicester City previously linked as well.
Leeds United and Celtic join Anthony Patterson transfer chase
Now though, it’s been revealed that more teams have started to take a look at Patterson, who was previously described as ‘unbelievable’ by interim boss Mike Dodds.
An emerging report from This is Anfield has revealed that ‘Liverpool have watched Patterson closely’ ahead of the summer, and that the Reds think a bid between £10million and £15million could tempt the Black Cats into selling.
But the same report reveals that Liverpool ‘could face strong competition’ for Patterson, with Leicester City having retained their interest, with Arsenal, Celtic, and Leeds United all keen now as well.
Why Anthony Patterson exit won’t be a huge blow for Sunderland
Patterson is certainly a good goalkeeper and an important player for Sunderland.
But selling him this summer wouldn’t be the end of the world for Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman.
They’d be getting a big payday for a player that the club has developed over the years; furthering the club’s image as a great place for younger players.
And right now, we’re seeing something of a golden generation of goalkeepers emerging in England.
There’s a lot of top young goalkeepers coming through right now and so Sunderland could find a worthy replacement for Patterson, and maybe even for much cheaper.
Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle is already being linked, though expect the Black Cats to have other names on their radar.
And with Patterson, there’s been an air of division about his performances this season; whilst he remains a top goalkeeper, there’s certainly room for improvement where he’s regarded.
But still, a Premier League move would be very exciting for Patterson, who has a bright future ahead of him.
And if he can pocket his boyhood club few million pounds in the process then it may be a move that works out for everyone.