- EXCLUSIVES from Graeme Bailey
Sunderland may face a battle to keep hold of goalkeeper Anthony Patterson with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all interested.
A host of Premier League clubs are hot on the trail of Anthony Patterson – with Sunderland ready to cash in on the goalkeeper this summer, HITC Football understands.
The 23-year-old signed a new long-term last year, but he is being lined up for a Premier League move in 2024.
HITC Football understands that Liverpool have been keeping close tabs on Patterson.
The Reds are looking for a new number two to Alisson, as they look ready to allow Irish international Caoimhin Kelleher to move on.
But HITC Football can reveal that Liverpool are not the only big name suitors of Patterson.
Manchester City and Arsenal are also very interested in Patterson, who has come through Sunderland’s academy, similar to England number one Jordan Pickford and now he is set follow in his foot steps with a big move away from Wearside.
City are considering moving on from current number two Stefan Ortega and Patterson is someone they have done their homework on.
Arsenal are likely to sell Aaron Ramsdale this summer whilst also completing their permanent move for David Raya, but a young England number two is in their thoughts and Patterson is somebody that has impressed their scouts.
The chance for a homegrown English player, in terms of squad rules in the Premier League is something that appeals to the clubs and having one as their number two, is seen as good/likely option moving forward.
Chelsea also like Patterson but their goalkeeping situation is a little more complex.
Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez both arrived over the summer and are battling it out for the number one jersey.
Petrovic has done well in his recent run in the team and Chelsea may need to offload one of those stoppers to move for Patterson, which complicates matters given their short stints in West London.
Who is Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson?
Patterson hails from North Shields and came up in the Sunderland ranks, making a first-team debut with the club in 2020.
Sunderland sent Patterson out on loan to Notts County in September 2021, but he was recalled in January 2022 and established himself as Sunderland’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Patterson helped Sunderland win promotion back to the Championship and just hasn’t looked back, racking up 100 first-team appearances for the Black Cats.
Now 23, Patterson has one England Under-21 cap to his name and has been hailed as ‘very talented’ by former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.
Future England caps could be on the way, just like former Black Cats talent Pickford and the former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Whether Patterson would settle for being second choice is unclear but the Premier League big boys are paying close attention and Sunderland can expect offers on the table in the coming months.
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