Sunderland have missed out on one target before the transfer window has even opened.
Sunderland are still three weeks away from the summer transfer window opening, but a number of their prized assets have already been linked with the exit door.
The likes of Jack Clarke, Anthony Patterson and Dan Neil have all been linked with moves away for most of 2024.
While Clarke looks the most likely to leave for the Premier League, Patterson’s future on Wearside could depend on how much the club are offered for his services.
The goalkeeper has already been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, while Sheffield United were said to be preparing an £8 million bid.
That is unlikely to be enough though, with Sunderland reportedly demanding between £10 million and £20 million.
The Black Cats are likely preparing cautiously to lose Patterson though and will need to have a replacement lined up.
Sunderland transfer target signs new four-year contract
One goalkeeper they were reportedly interested in is Wigan Athletic’s Sam Tickle, who was named their Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year.
After keeping 15 clean sheets in League One, the ‘outstanding’ shot-stopper attracted interest from the likes for Sunderland, Birmingham and Preston.
However, the Black Cats will now be forced to bring their pursuit to an end after Wigan confirmed that he had signed a new four-year contract at the Brick Community Stadium.
After putting pen to paper, the 22-year-old said: “I’m over the moon to sign a new contract. It’s a really proud moment for me and my family.
“It means a lot. This has been my home since I was young, and to extend my stay here is special.”
Born in Warrington, Tickle had been with the Latics since he was ten years old.
The ‘keeper had earned interest from the league above but clearly wasn’t interested as he wanted to stay with his boyhood club – a situation that could also play out at the Stadium of Light.
Who can Sunderland replace Anthony Patterson with?
Patterson is unlikely to push for a move away and any potential exit could just come from Sunderland receiving an offer that is too good to turn down.
Kristjaan Speakman will need to be keeping an eye on more options if Patterson does leave though.
The EFL is littered with quality goalkeepers, with out-of-favour Daniel Iversen one man that they should be targeting.
The 26-year-old is far down the pecking order at Leicester, but could be of interest to Championship clubs.
Lincoln City’s Lukas Jensen is also a strong option, while free agent Joe Wildsmith could also earn himself a move to the second tier.