Exclusive:'I gather' - Kevin Phillips delivers verdict on Anthony Patterson's Sunderland future amid West Brom interest
Anthony Patterson could be on his way out of Sunderland this summer.
Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has delivered his verdict on Anthony Patterson’s future at the club ahead of the summer transfer window.
After playing a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion from the Championship last year, Patterson was displaced as Regis Le Bris’ first choice goalkeeper by Robin Roefs following the latter’s arrival from Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen.
Starved of first team minutes on Wearside, Patterson would complete a loan move to Millwall during the January window, linking up with ex-Sunderland boss Alex Neil in the process. The 26-year-old would quickly establish himself as number one between the sticks at The Den, helping Millwall to reach the Championship play-off semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Hull City.
And with his time in the capital now coming to an end, speculation has started to simmer over Patterson’s future with his parent club. The prospect of a permanent exit from the Stadium of Light has been touted, with the likes of West Brom and Southampton understood to be monitoring his situation.
What has Kevin Phillips said about Anthony Patterson?
But during an exclusive interview with The Echo, courtesy of BestBettingSites, Phillips has suggested that Millwall could look to sign Patterson again this summer following his eye-catching loan stint. He said: “I think Millwall might have something to say about that, because I gather they would like to keep hold of him.
“Listen, he's done brilliantly, Anthony Patterson. It's been tough on him getting promoted to the Premier League and being loaned out. But he showed good character, good mental strength to go to Millwall and play exceptionally well. He's a quality keeper. Any team that gets his services next year has done brilliant business.
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“From a selfish point of view, with my connections at West Brom, I'd love to see him there. I think James Morrison would get the best out of him, or get even more out of him, because he's the type of guy that you want to play for. So if they can secure his services, it'd be a great, great signing for them. But as I say, I think Millwall might have something to say about that.”
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