Sources: Sunderland plot move to sign Chelsea star Baxter as permanent deal possible
Sunderland are eyeing a move for Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, Football Insider understands.
He spent last season on loan at Accrington Stanley and impressed during his time at the League One outfit.
A Sunderland source told Football Insider that they are in the market for a keeper and are looking at Baxter either for a permanent or loan deal.
Baxter, who is under contract at Stanford Bridge until 2023, featured 19 times for Stanley across the 2020-21 campaign.
His season was curtailed in March after suffering a shoulder injury in a 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town.
Toby Savin took over between the sticks for the remainder of the camapign as John Coleman’s side slipped away from the play-off places in the third-tier.
Baxter is yet to make his first senior appearance for Chelsea and has spent each of his five seasons as a professional out on loan.
Prior to his spell in the North West with Stanley, he made 13 appearances for Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.
Sunderland are gearing up for a fourth consecutive season in League One after faltering once again in the play-offs in 2020-21.
That left manager Lee Johnson’s job in peril but the 39-year-old was ultimately backed by owner Kyle Louis-Dreyfus.
If signed, Baxter will face competition for the number one spot from Lee Burge who featured 41 times for Johnson’s Sunderland side last season.
The club recently triggered an extension clause in the 28-year-old’s contract, keeping him at the Stadium of Light for another year.
In other news, Sunderland legend expects Luke O’Nien to sign new deal amid Middlesbrough interest