‘Southampton plotting to sign Sunderland star Anthony Patterson’
Southampton are plotting a move to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 25-year-old is viewed as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.
Following a successful season in the Championship where he played an important role in the Black Cats’ promotion, Patterson could be allowed to leave.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in March that Southampton are preparing for Ramsdale to leave ahead of a “huge” summer at St Mary’s.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 1 July that Sunderland are planning to sign a new goalkeeper amid links to the likes of Marcin Bulka and Djordje Petrovic.
As a result, Patterson is set to make the final decision about whether to leave or stay and fight for his place at the Stadium of Light amid ongoing speculation.
Sunderland set to make Anthony Patterson decision
Brown told Football Insider in January that Sunderland planned to keep hold of Patterson long-term despite interest from the likes of Man United and Tottenham.
However, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted their ambitions of signing a new shot-stopper have made his future unclear.
“Patterson is a top young goalkeeper and he’s got a good reputation,” he told Football Insider.
“I personally still have some doubts about him, and it looks like Sunderland might share those.
“They’ve been looking to sign a new goalkeeper for the Premier League, probably because they want a bit more experience and stability.
“So that makes Patterson’s future uncertain because it’s his position they’re talking about.
“I’m told Southampton are one of the clubs looking at him because they expect Ramsdale to leave.
“He’s got a release clause in his contract and clubs have been looking at him.
“Patterson obviously has that experience in the Championship and of gaining promotion, which is what Southampton will look to do this year.
“So it makes a lot of sense for both of the clubs.
“It will come down to whether Patterson wants to step back down to the Championship or if he wants to stay and fight for his place at Sunderland.
“It’s a difficult decision to make because I’m sure he’d love to stay at Sunderland ideally, but he will get a feel for what the club are planning.”
Matteo Guendouzi update emerges at the Stadium of Light
Sunderland are making ambitious transfer plans ahead of their return to the top flight, and are targeting a number of key positions alongside a goalkeeper.
Brown told Football Insider on 1 July that Sunderland are interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio, with Regis Le Bris pushing for the move.
Guendouzi, who was a young player at Lorient while Le Bris was the manager of their B team, is being considered to bolster their midfield and bring Premier League experience.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Sunderland are interested in signing Abdoulaye Doucoure on a free transfer after he left Everton.
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