Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been linked with a move to Coventry City.

Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has backed Anthony Patterson to be a success in the Premier League amid transfer reports linking him with a potential move to Coventry City.

The Black Cats stopper is currently out on loan at Millwall, having been supplanted in the first team at the Stadium of Light by Robin Roefs last summer. In the wake of the Dutchman’s arrival, the Academy of Light graduate struggled for consistent opportunities on Wearside, but since sealing a January move to The Den, has established himself as Alex Neil’s preferred choice between the sticks, keeping three clean sheets in his first six Championship outings.

It is within this context that reports have emerged crediting Coventry with an interest in Patterson. Fresh reports have suggested that Sunderland could be willing to part company with the 25-year-old for around £8 million, while the Sky Blues may be in the market for goalkeeping reinforcements as loanee Carl Rushworth prepares to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion.

And for his part, Phillips is of the opinion that Patterson would not only be a good fit for Coventry, but could make the step up to the top flight if Frank Lampard’s men successfully clinch promotion over the coming weeks.

Speaking exclusively to The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites, the Black Cats icon said: “I think he can play in the Premier League. He proved himself in the Championship for Sunderland. But he hasn’t really been given the opportunity in the Premier League. I’ve been very disappointed that he hasn’t. So he decided to move on, and he showed he can play in the Championship comfortably, again. I see no reason why he couldn’t step up to the Premier League.

“I think he would be a good replacement. Carl Rushworth has been outstanding this season, the goalkeeper of the season, but he potentially goes back to Brighton to that opening. I think Patterson needs to take his game to the next level, and I think he can. He’ll certainly get tested if Coventry come up, that’s for sure. But I think he’s a goalkeeper who’s got a good mentality and will definitely step up to the Premier League.”

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What else has Kevin Phillips said about Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson?

Speaking to The Echo around the time of Patterson’s transfer to Millwall, Phillips said: “I think it was the right decision. Very tough on Anthony. He did fantastically well over the last few years and was right at the very heart of their promotion campaign.

“Le Bris decided to make a tough decision and bring in Robin Roefs, who has been exceptional. Credit to Anthony Patterson, he hasn’t spat his dummy out. The club has decided to let him move on, which I think is the right thing to do. He needs to go and play football for his own career, and it helps Sunderland as well. It was the correct decision.”

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