Sheffield United have made one ‘expensive’ Sunderland star their ‘first choice’.
Sunderland look increasingly likely to lose some of their star players this summer, having finished 16th in the Championship.
A number of their prized assets have already been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, and their exits could potentially depend on who the Black Cats bring in as their new permanent head coach.
Some clubs are already preparing bids for the Sunderland stars though, with Jack Clarke one who looks very likely to make the move to the top flight after netting 15 goals this term.
Another player who could be on his way out is Anthony Patterson, who has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal since January.
It is thought that the Merseyside outfit could sell Caoimhin Kelleher this summer and will look to bring in a new back-up goalkeeper to Alisson.
However, it looks to be Sheffield United who are making the first move to sign Patterson, with reports claiming they are preparing an £8 million bid.
The Blades have also been linked with Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson though, who has a £1 million release clause in his contract.
Sunderland will be hopeful they turn to The Millers to add a fresh face in between the sticks, but the latest update suggests otherwise.
Anthony Patterson is the ‘first choice’
When asked about United’s pursuit of Johansson, journalist Alan Nixon wrote on X: “Patterson is the first choice. The ideal choice. The very expensive choice.”
He also wrote earlier: “[United] would pay good money for him. Sunderland will want much more. See if there’s a compromise…take some time.”
According to transfermarkt, Patterson was valued at £8.6 million back in December.
Should Sunderland be prepared to sell Patterson?
The 24-year-old has put in some important performances this season, and the interest from the likes of Liverpool will likely bump his transfer fee up even further.
Patterson only signed a new contract in September and still has four years remaining, so the club surely won’t sell unless they are receiving a huge sum for his exit.
If he is to move to Bramall Lane, then signing Viktor Johansson could be a very good alternative. However, his release clause is likely to mean plenty of competition for his signature.
Patterson may also turn down a move to United though, as they no longer play in the Premier League and aren’t guaranteed an immediate return either.
Hopefully, he would prefer to stay at the Stadium of Light, but Patterson seems like one player that many fans would accept leaving if we made decent money from it.