Carlton Palmer has urged one of Sunderland’s most exciting prospects to join the Premier League this year.
Sunderland’s squad is stacked with players who have been linked with a move to the Premier League recently, with Jack Clarke certainly the most sought after.
While the likes of Dan Neil and Pierre Ekwah have attracted interest since the summer, Anthony Patterson is the most recent name to be linked with a number of top clubs.
According to reports, the Black Cats goalkeeper is being monitored for Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. Patterson could be targeted during the January transfer window, but is more likely to be the subject of interest in the summer.
The 23-year-old has been an ever-present figure for Sunderland this season, making 27 appearances and keeping eight clean sheets in the process.
Patterson has spent most of his life with the Black Cats after joining the academy as a child, and only signed a new contract with his boyhood club in September.
Despite his love for Sunderland, Carlton Palmer has urged Patterson not to turn down a potential move to the Premier League.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp have been long-time admirers of Sunderland goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson.
“If their number two goalkeeper Kelleher moves to Celtic, whether it be now or the summer, it’s believed that Jurgen would make a move for Patterson.
“Patterson is number one at Sunderland and at 23-years-old has amassed over 100 league games and would not want to be sat on the bench, but if a club like Liverpool Football Club comes knocking you can’t turn that down.
“You never know, in a few years’ time he could be Liverpool’s number one. He would get his opportunities at Liverpool and you never know.
“I think Sunderland would want big money for him, and it would be in excess of £1million. There have been lots of clubs in the past that have tried to entice Patterson, like Leicester City previously, and have been unable to do so. It would take a huge fee, but it would be an unbelievable opportunity for Patterson at Liverpool.”
Will Anthony Patterson join Liverpool?
It would be a huge loss for Anthony Patterson was to join Liverpool, but also a forgivable one.
Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world and arguably has the best goalkeeper in the world in between the sticks.
Alisson is an exceptional goalkeeper and there is no denying that Patterson would thrive working as his understudy, while working under Jurgen Klopp would be even more beneficial.
The Reds would have to cough up a hefty fee for Sunderland to part ways with Patterson, but it wouldn’t surprise me if I considered the switch.