Sunderland are likely to face interest in Anthony Patterson this summer.
The goalkeeper was one of their standout performers in an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign and has now attracted interest from the Premier League.
Liverpool are said to be long-term admirers of the Sunderland gem, while the likes of Wolves and Manchester City have also been linked this summer.
The latter could be set to lose Ederson during the transfer window, with the Brazilian a target in the Saudi Pro League.
The Black Cats are yet to receive any bids for Patterson, while there is a strong belief on Wearside that he will remain at the club.
However, former midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sunderland could sell if they receive ‘in excess of’ a specific fee.
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Liverpool are ‘very keen’ to sign Patterson
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “His performances have not gone unnoticed by top clubs, he’s been coveted by Wolves and Southampton, he’s stood firm and not moved because he’s wanted to stay as the number one.
“There is no doubt, apparently Liverpool have been keeping an eye on him, there is no doubt with his performances, one day he’s going to play in the top flight.
“But he wants to keep being the number one, so unless Ederson is going to move on this summer, which remains to be seen, Pep Guardiola saying that he’s not going to move on this summer, we’ll have to wait and see.
“But I’m sure Anthony Patterson is not going to move and sit on the bench, he’s a number one at Sunderland.
“Sunderland have been very shrewd in their business, as we’ve seen.
“They’ve just signed Moore, and that could spell that they have got a deal on the table for Patterson to move on.
“I know Liverpool are very, very keen and now it’s clear that Man City are in for the player.
“Should Sunderland get the right offer for him I’m sure we’ll see him move on from the club, but it will be in excess of £15 million.”
Simon Moore is Patterson’s understudy, not replacement
It’s unclear whether Patterson will leave or stay this summer, but one thing for sure is that Simon Moore is not his replacement.
The Black Cats would receive seven figures for Patterson and would be eager to replace him with another fairly young, promising shot-stopper that can comfortably fill the void.
Moore has quite obviously been brought in as an understudy and to act as a mentor for the 24-year-old, having racked up 51 clean sheets in 197 matches in the Championship and League One.
Moore only has only managed three appearances in the last two seasons though, and with his 35th birthday approaching next term, there is absolutely no chance the club consider him the appropriate replacement for Patterson.
The likelihood of a club being willing to pay £15m for the keeper seems unlikely anyway, but if they do then there is no doubt the club will have their targets.