Sunderland’s newest transfer news and speculation as they prepare for the Championship run-in.
Sunderland are preparing to replace Anthony Patterson ahead of expected interest in the summer transfer window.
The native stopper stepped into Sunderland’s first squad midway through the Black Cats’ last League One season and helped the club win promotion in the play-offs against Wycombe Wanderers at Wembley Stadium.
Patterson has been Sunderland’s first choice under Alex Neil, Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale, and Mike Dodds, and he has not missed a league game since the Black Cats were in the third division.
The former England youth international goalkeeper’s remarkable record at Sunderland has sparked transfer interest in the 23-year-old, with sources claiming the Wearsiders will demand a fee of £20 million for the Academy of Light product.
Sunderland have been linked with Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle as a possible replacement for Patterson. Alan Nixon said the Black Cats are currently “checking on” the England under-21 international, who has 40 League One appearances for Wigan Athletic this season.
The goalkeeping situation at Sunderland is an intriguing subplot moving into the transfer season, with second-choice Nathan Bishop staying at the club after joining from Manchester United last summer. Alex Bass is also likely to return from his loan with AFC Wimbledon this summer.
Sunderland’s Academy of Light also boasts some highly regarded goalkeepers, such youngster Matty Young, Dan Cameron, and Adam Richardson.
The Black Cats will face Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light on Easter Monday in the Championship, following their Good Friday victory over Cardiff City.
