Sunderland may face competition to keep hold of another key star in the January transfer window.
Sunderland’s first season back in the Championship has brought plenty of eyes to their most important players, with Jack Clarke being one star who is a target for a long list of Premier League clubs.
The forward has netted 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 74 games in the second tier and is reportedly of interest to the likes of Burnley, Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Dan Neil’s impressive performances have also caught the eye, while Pierre Ekwah has also been linked with a move away.
The Black Cats may now be due a challenge to keep hold of Anthony Patterson too, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming that Liverpool are keen on the goalkeeper.
Speaking on his Patreon, Nixon said: “Liverpool are making Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson a target as new cover at the Kop.
“The Anfield men fear long-term number two Caoimhin Kelleher will leave and have identified Patterson to be his successor.”
While Nixon admitted a move in summer seems more likely, he added: “If he goes in this window there will be a scramble for Patterson.
“Patterson may be willing to step into the shadows at Liverpool but rivals could also come for him if a deal gets close.”
Anthony Patterson has made some vital saves in the Championship and his received rave reviews as he has picked up seven clean sheets so far.
The 23-year-old was called up to the England U21 squad in June and went onto put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with his boyhood club three months later.
Patterson admitted he was ‘delighted’ and that it was an ‘absolute dream’ to be playing for Sunderland, after making his senior debut three years earlier.
The shot-stopper is currently Patterson’s third highest-earner following his contract extension, raking in £10,000-per-week – less than only Jack Clarke, Bradley Dack and Dan Ballard.
Should Anthony Patterson move to the Premier League?
There is no denying that Anthony Patterson will play in the Premier League one day, following in the footsteps of former Sunderland star Jordan Pickford.
The goalkeeper still has plenty to learn though and has certainly shown some obvious issues with playing out from the back this term – something that would likely be required of him if he joined Liverpool.
Anfield would be a great place for Patterson to develop, but he would surely know that there would be no chance of him claiming a place in their starting line-up anytime soon.
Patterson clearly loves playing for his hometown club and he would be taking a lot of risks, that would include moving away from home, just to play in a few Cup games behind the best ‘keeper in the world in Alisson.