Sources: Sunderland 'hopeful' as Man United plot Brian Brobbey swoop

Sunderland are "hopeful" of fending off interest in striker Brian Brobbey this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Dutchman has been identified as an attacking target by Manchester United, but the Black Cats are remaining calm amid their interest.

The Wearsiders are doing "everything they can" to keep hold of the 24-year-old, and believe that his performances at the World Cup have enhanced his valuation even further.

Regis Le Bris' side recently fended off interest from Chelsea in star midfielder Granit Xhaka, and they are hoping to do the same with Brobbey.

The former Ajax frontman is one of several attacking targets at Old Trafford this summer, but Sunderland won't give him up without a fight.

Brobbey netted seven goals in his debut Premier League campaign last term, and scored three goals in four games at this summer's World Cup.

Regis Le Bris to build team around Brian Brobbey

Brobbey played a key role in Sunderland's success last term, as his power and physicality caused problems throughout the campaign.

The frontman helped the Black Cats surpass all expectations upon their return to the top flight, as they secured Europa League football for 2026-27.

That is one of the main reasons why Le Bris and Co. are confident about being able to keep their star striker this summer, as he is unlikely to be lured by European football elsewhere.

Sunderland are aiming to add further depth to their group to contend with competing on both the domestic and European fronts next term.

As a result, they have little intention of losing any of their key players in the coming weeks, even if lucrative sale opportunities arose.

Brobbey is one of their prized assets at the moment, and they will make it extremely difficult for Man United to strike a deal for him.

Sunderland 'happy' to accept offer for Wrexham target

Former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last week that the club are "happy" to accept offers for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer.

The homegrown shot-stopper played a crucial role in the Black Cats' rise back up the leagues, but was forced down the pecking order by Robin Roefs' arrival last summer.

Brown feels that Patterson would be well-suited to a return to the Championship for his next move, with both Millwall and Wrexham keen at the moment.

He noted that Sunderland have little desire to keep the gloveman around, and are happy to cash in provided that the player wants to move.