Liverpool could be about to swoop for a Sunderland star following their own player’s recent remarks.
Sunderland could see a number of their prized assets move to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal, Liverpool and West Ham just some of the clubs linked with their players.
While Jack Clarke looks the most likely to earn himself a big money move, Anthony Patterson could also be heading for the exit door.
The goalkeeper could be the subject of an£8 million bid from Sheffield United following their relegation, while Wolves had also been linked.
There was also reports that Liverpool could look to sign Patterson as a replacement for Caoimhin Kelleher earlier this year, but talks of a move to Merseyside haven’t progressed any further since.
Liverpool will be eager to keep Kelleher, who has been hailed as the ‘best No.2 goalkeeper in the world‘, but his future at Anfield remained in doubt.
The 25-year-old has now spoken out on his future though and it could fuel a move for Patterson in the near future.
Caoimhin Kelleher suggests he will leave Liverpool
Speaking to The Athletic, Kelleher said: “I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool. It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.
“I wouldn’t say I was pushing (to leave) last summer but saying, ‘Look, I need to kick on for my career’. Jurgen said, ‘If anything happens to Ali, we really need you to be there’. It worked out for the best this season because I played 26 games.
“There will be some discussions over the coming weeks. The club was busy with the manager leaving and appointing a new one. With all the new staff arriving, those talks will happen.”
Liverpool could meet Sunderland’s asking price for Anthony Patterson
With Kelleher pretty much admitting that he will look to leave Liverpool this summer, it could spell bad news for Sunderland.
The Reds had already made it clear that he could be brought into replace the Republic of Ireland international, and now that he has made it clear he wants to leave, Liverpool could quickly reignite their interest in the Black Cats shot-stopper.
With the Blades playing Championship football this term, a move to Liverpool is surely a lot more tempting for Patterson.
It has already been suggested that Sunderland would demand between £10 million and £20 million for Patterson’s departure, which the Reds could certainly afford if they are to rake in more than the £15m bid they received from Nottingham Forest on transfer deadline day.
If Patterson is prepared to move to the Premier League as a No.2 then it seems like a move would be very likely, but he would be daft to think he can force Alisson off his perch for at least a good few years.
It would be sad to see him leave the Stadium of Light, but an offer closer to £20m would definitely be impossible to turn down.