'Acceptance' over potential Sunderland January exit as Black Cat deemed to be 'worth' £20m - round-up

With the January transfer window just four weeks away, a number of Sunderland players continue to attract attention from far and wide.

Whether it be the impressive midfield duo of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, or first choice goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, the Black Cats face worrying interest in several of their best and brightest assets. With that in mind, here is a round-up of some of the transfer speculation that you might have missed.

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‘Acceptance’ over Bellingham situation

Sunderland continue to face mounting interest in precocious midfielder Jobe Bellingham. The teenager has been linked with a number of high profile suitors in recent weeks, and while there is evidently no tangible desire to sell him in January, The Athletic have now weighed in with an update on his situation that may provide some cause for concern.

According to the online outlet, there is an “acceptance” on Wearside that the level of Bellingham’s performances could attract offers that are “too good to turn down” next month. It is once again understood that the Black Cats are reluctant to lose the player, but are also aware that such lucrative bids could come in the new year, especially amid interest from Borussia Dortmund.

Patterson ‘worth’ £20 million

Former England international Carlton Palmer believes that Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is definitely worth £20 million amid ongoing speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Premier League giants are understood to be in the market for a new stopper following a long-term injury to usual first choice Guglielmo Vicario, with Patterson touted as one prospective target, alongside Burnley’s James Trafford. But if Spurs are to prise the 24-year-old away from the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks, then they will likely have to pay a hefty fee for his services.

And Palmer is of the belief that Patterson would be worth every penny. Speaking to Football League World, he said: “He’s been outstanding at Sunderland and I believe the likes of Premier League clubs, Liverpool, Celtic and Crystal Palace are all running the rule over him.

“The problem for Patterson is he won’t want to leave and play second fiddle. He’s the number one goalkeeper at Sunderland, and they started the season off very brightly, and they’re still in a very good position to get promoted, but they’ve drawn the last four games, which has made things a little bit difficult, but I’m sure they’ll get back to winning ways. Sunderland dropped to fourth place after picking up some draws, and despite having a number of young players, they’re only five points off Sheffield United in top spot.

"Sunderland have come out and said they want a fee of £20 million and I think he’s worth that. He’s a very good shot-stopper. Sunderland fans will be disappointed, but they’ve got a young group of players and just recently got beaten by Sheffield United, but I’m sure that they’ll be back to winning ways soon. So Anthony Patterson, yes clubs are looking at him, but Sunderland will want £20 million plus for a player who’s sure to go on and have a big future in the Premier League.”