Sheffield United are readying an £8 million bid for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 24-year-old has firmly cemented his position in the team over the past couple of seasons after breaking into the starting XI in the latter stages of the 2021/22 campaign. He helped the Black Cats achieve promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs and has been an ever-present since.
He played every minute of the Wearsiders campaign up until the final game of the season, where he dropped to the bench for the 2-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.
Sunderland are no strangers to producing top class goalkeepers. England’s current number one Jordan Pickford came through the ranks at the Stadium of Light before securing a £30 million move to Everton in 2017. Expecting similar interest, the decision was taken to tie the former Notts County loanee down to a new five-year deal last September.
His performances have already caught the eye of a number of top Premier League clubs. It was reported in January that Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea were all keeping tabs on his progress with the view to bring him in as a back-up to their current number ones.
However, Sheffield United are ready to offer him a regular starting berth. The Blades have suffered instant relegation from the top tier and are already preparing their summer transfer activity in order to give them the best opportunity to bounce straight back.
According to Nixon, the Yorkshire side are preparing an ‘ambitious’ £8 million bid, with current shot stopper Wes Foderingham out of contract at the end of the season. It is said that that figure is unlikely to be enough though, with Sunderland hoping for double that amount to tempt them into selling.
The former England under-21 international has made 123 appearances for his current club, keeping 37 clean sheets.
Writer’s View
Sheffield United’s interest is fanciful and there is little chance that Sunderland would be willing to sell to a team that will be a direct rival next season. Furthermore, Patterson is unlikely to consider a move to another Championship club, especially with Premier League interest expected.
Although a transfer to one of the big clubs may be out of reach, there will be plenty of teams looking to upgrade their goalkeeper this summer. Whether they are willing to take a punt on a player from the league below remains to be seen, but he still has a considerable amount of time remaining on his contract and there is next to no chance that he leaves the Stadium of Light for £8 million.
Head of Writing
