Sunderland made their first signing of the summer as Simon Moore joined on a free transfer earlier this week.
The goalkeeper is set to act as Anthony Patterson‘s understudy and mentor after being released by Coventry City.
With the arrival of new head coach Regis Le Bris confirmed yesterday, the club will be hoping to now push ahead with the rest of their transfer business.
Sunderland will be eager to bolster their attack in particular, while potential departures could mean they are even busier than anticipated.
While their goalkeeper department could be fairly full if Patterson stays, that hasn’t stopped the Black Cats from looking at a young prospect in between the sticks.
Sunderland set for ‘talks’ with 17-year-old Robert Cook
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported via his Patreon: “Sunderland are flying in top Australian keeper prospect Robert Cook for talks next month.
“Cook, 17, is rated the best young shot stopper Down Under and can move immediately as he carries a British passport.
“The Perth pup’s dad is English and he is desperate to come to the land of his father for a shot at glory.
“Meanwhile Sunderland will move out keeper Nathan Bishop to make room in their squad.
“Bishop signed from Manchester United but rarely played. Veteran Simon Moore is joining on a free to fill one of the gaps.”
The future of Sunderland’s goalkeeping department is in safe hands
Sunderland have enjoyed some excellent keepers in their ranks over the years, with the likes of Simon Mignolet, Jordan Pickford and Vito Mannone really impressing before Patterson came along.
They also have Matty Young in the youth squad, who seems destined for a big future after making his debut at 16 years old during last summer’s pre-season schedule.
Young and Cook could face battling it out against each other for a spot in the senior team in a few years time, but some healthy competition can’t hurt for now.
Bishop’s exit would come as no surprise, given that he turns 25 years old later this year and has only made two appearances for the Black Cats.
The shot-stopper has no chance at earning regular game-time at the Stadium of Light, with Moore likely to have pushed him even further down the pecking order.
Fans will hope that Patterson stays at the club this summer, but it is good news if they can also look forward to players such as Young and Cook eventually replacing him.