Sunderland are set to face a £8 million bid for one their prized assets this summer.
Sunderland face losing a number of their key players after enduring an underwhelming campaign that ended in 16th place.
The Black Cats likely needed to at least reach the play-offs to tempt the likes of Jack Clarke to stay at the club, but it would now be very surprising if he wasn’t fast-tracked to the Premier League this summer.
The likes of Dan Ballard and Dan Neil have also been linked with a move to the top flight, while Anthony Patterson could well have played his last game for his hometown club.
The goalkeeper has had a mixed bag this term, but remains one of the most promising players on Wearside.
Patterson had previously been rumoured to have caught the eye of Liverpool, who could be looking to bring in a new back-up to Alisson.
However, a newly-relegated club are now said to be preparing a bid for the 23-year-old, in a move that would allow Patterson to remain as number one.
Anthony Patterson could join newly-relegated club
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Sheffield United are ready to offer £8 million to sign Patterson this summer.
On his Patreon, Nixon said: “Sheffield United are planning an ambitious bid for Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson as they bid to go back to the Premier League.
“The Blades will offer around £8 million for Patterson, one of the best number ones at the level.
“Chris Wilder wants a new number one as Wes Foderingham is out of contract and Grbic has failed to shine since his arrival.
“Sunderland had hoped for double the amount United are prepared to pay but they could yet sell and the transfer may be the best Patterson has on the horizon.”
Is joining Sheffield United more tempting than staying at Sunderland?
Patterson’s future was plunged into doubt when he was linked with a move to Anfield and that could still be very tempting for the shot-stopper, though he would surely know his chances of becoming first choice anytime soon there would be very low.
A move to Bramall Lane would secure him regular football, but he would also be asking himself whether it would be worth leaving his boyhood club for.
United will be vying for a swift return to the Premier League but it certainly isn’t guaranteed, while he could well wait to see who Sunderland appoint next so he can evaluate his chances of helping them win promotion too.
Either way, moving Patterson on for a decent fee will definitely be tempting to Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, who seems unlikely to be able to cough up too much cash without selling a few players first.
It wouldn’t be the end of the world if Sunderland had to sell their ‘unbelievable’ academy graduate either, with a number of quality goalkeepers potentially available.
However, if he was one of several assets to be sold, then that could be disastrous.