Southampton are looking to act early in the summer transfer window to assemble a squad ready for the Premier League.
Manager Russell Martin knows there is a lot of work required to prepare his side to battle for their top flight survival.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan deal was made permanent alongside promotion, whilst veteran Adam Lallana has joined as a free agent.
Saman Ghoddos looks set to also join for free and Ryan Fraser could see his move to Southampton expedited by Newcastle United agreeing to terminate his contract.
Reports now suggest that Southampton have identified a transfer target in a key area which could help them resolve a problem position.
Southampton ‘looking at’ Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson
Southampton’s number one goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is set to miss a large chunk of next season through the achilles injury he sustained in the warm-up against Preston in April.
Alex McCarthy deputised in Bazunu’s absence but is out of contract at the end of the month and, whilst negotiations are ongoing, there is no guarantee he signs a new deal.
Even if he does, Martin is reluctant to rely on McCarthy. The 34-year-old filled in admirably and was particularly impressive in the play-offs but struggles with the ball at his feet which simply won’t do for the way Southampton want to play.
It appears Southampton have now found their desired goalkeeper, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing via his Patreon that the Saints ‘are looking at Sunderland’s highly-rated Anthony Patterson’.
There may be an issue, though, as according to Nixon Sunderland want a fee of ‘around £15 to £20 million’ but Southampton are looking to strike a deal for around half of that.
Who is Southampton target Anthony Patterson?
Patterson is a 24-year-old goalkeeper who has progressed through Sunderland’s academy to become their number one.
The 2023/24 season was the once-capped England under-21 international’s second full campaign as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for the Black Cats.
In the 2022/23 season – Sunderland’s first in the Championship following League One promotion – Patterson played all 46 league games, conceding 55 goals and keeping 14 clean sheets.
Last season, the stopper played all but one Championship games and conceded 55 whilst keeping 12 clean sheets.
In Patterson, Southampton would again be placing their faith in a relatively inexperienced goalkeeper in a move which could be a cause for concern for fans.
However, Patterson is held in high regard at Sunderland so he could be a perfect Bazunu replacement; with the two able to compete for a starting spot once Bazunu returns to fitness.