Exclusive: Sunderland open talks to sign Bundesliga goalkeeper
Sunderland have opened talks to sign Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Jonas Omlin on loan, sources have told Football Insider.
The Wearsiders have targeted a move for the experienced keeper to provide cover for No.1 keeper Robin Roefs.
The 32-year-old is down the pecking order at Borussia and has yet to feature for them this season.
Should Sunderland sign Omlin, it would allow them to sanction a move for Anthony Patterson, who has found himself behind Roefs in Regis le Bris’ plans this season.
Roefs has been heavily praised at Sunderland for the start that he has made in the Premier League this season, and the Black Cats are now moving to try and add competition for the shirt.
Jonas Omlin unlikely to displace Robin Roefs at Sunderland
Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent return to the Premier League this term after their promotion from the Championship last time out, and Roefs has been one of their key figures so far.
The Dutchman has already kept seven clean sheets since his move from NEC Nijmegen, and has started in all 22 Premier League games so far this term.
| Stats | Roefs Total | League Rank |
| Apps | 22 | N/A |
| Clean Sheets | 7 | =6th |
| Save Percentage | 76.3% | 1st |
| Goals Prevented | 4.1 | 2nd |
| Saves per 90 | 3.4 | 3rd |
Omlin will provide ample experience having enjoyed stints in both the Bundesliga and Ligue in recent years, while he also previously played in the Champions League during his time at Basel.
However, he is expected to be used as cover for Roefs, who currently boasts the best save percentage in the entire Premier League, while also ranking second for goals prevented.
His arrival could spell the end for homegrown star Patterson, who has found himself little more than a backup this term, after playing a key role in Sunderland’s recent rise.
Where will Anthony Patterson move to?
Patterson has been heavily linked with a Sunderland exit in recent months, with Millwall the latest side to sniff around a potential loan deal until the end of the season.
The 25-year-old kept 14 clean sheets in the Championship last season, and the Mackems look set to potentially sanction a return to the second tier if they can get a deal for Omlin over the line.
Ex-Sunderland boss Alex Neil is currently in charge of Millwall, who have strong ambitions to strengthen their group in January to help their push for the play-offs.
Sunderland have been reluctant to allow Patterson to leave as it would have left them short of senior options if Roefs had picked up an injury or been suspended, but if they can get Omlin through the door then that risk is no longer prevalent for them.