Sunderland duo Anthony Patterson and Granit Xhaka have both been linked with exits from the club.

Sunderland would be “happy” to accept a bid for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer, according to their former chief scout.

The Black Cats academy graduate spent the second half of last season out on loan with Millwall in the Championship after losing his number one jersey to Dutch international Robin Roefs at the Stadium of Light. Consequently, there has been growing speculation over the possibility of Patterson leaving his boyhood club on a permanent basis in the coming weeks.

And speaking to online outlet Football Insider, ex-Sunderland scout Mick Brown has suggested that the club will be open to sanctioning the 26-year-old’s departure. He said: "He [Patterson] will want to be playing regularly, and clubs in the Championship are willing to give him that chance, whether that means staying at Millwall or going somewhere like Wrexham. From Sunderland's point of view, they'll be happy to let him go for the right price, because it brings in more money which they can use elsewhere. He's not going to be part of the manager's plans, so there's no point keeping him around if clubs are prepared to pay money to lure him away."

Mick Brown offers view on Granit Xhaka transfer saga

Elsewhere, Brown has labelled Chelsea’s opening bid of £8 million for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as “embarrassing”. The Blues are understood to be keen on prising the midfielder away from Wearside this summer, but saw an initial seven-figure offer soundly rejected by the Black Cats.

Xabi Alonso’s side are expected to return with an improved bid for Xhaka, The Echo understands, but at this point, Sunderland’s reluctance to sell the Swiss veteran remains firm. The Black Cats are determined not to be forced into a deal, particularly for a fee that would represent a significant loss on the package they agreed with Bayer Leverkusen to sign the 33-year-old last year.

And speaking to Football Insider, Brown has backed Sunderland’s stance - especially in the face of Chelsea’s lowball opening offer. He said: "I don't see any reason Sunderland would entertain offers for Granit Xhaka now.

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“He's under contract there until 2028, they're under no financial pressure to sell, and the manager is not going to be willing to weaken his squad after a strong season. As far as Sunderland are concerned, he is not for sale, and they are doing everything in their power to make sure he stays as part of their plans.

"Whether or not he wants to move to Chelsea or has agreed to join is irrelevant at this stage, the club don't want to sell, and if no agreement is reached, he will still be a Sunderland player. I don't know what Chelsea were thinking, making an offer like £8 million, it's embarrassing for them because Sunderland were never going to sell at that price. If anything, it'll firm up their stance even more, because what made Chelsea think they would sell for such a low offer? It's going to take serious money to even think about it now."

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