Sunderland hone in on goalkeeping targets as Premier League stopper linked

Phil Parkinson is keen to bolster his options between the sticks following the departure of Jon McLaughlin to Rangers earlier this summer, with a number of names under consideration.

While Lee Burge is set to start the season as the club’s number one, Parkinson and his recruitment staff are honing in on a number of potential targets.

One player being watched closely is Matija Sarkic - the 23-year-old who swapped Aston Villa for Wolves this summer.

The Premier League side are keen to secure a loan move for the Montenegro international, with The Sun the latest outlet to claim Sunderland are among the interested parties.

Ben Alnwick is another name under consideration. He is well-known to Parkinson having played under the Sunderland boss at Bolton and is no stranger to the Academy of Light.

However, no formal talks have yet taken place between Alnwick’s representatives and Sunderland.

Given youngster Anthony Patterson has committed his future to the Black Cats, signing a new goalkeeper is not an urgent priority for Parkinson - who is still in need of defensive and attacking reinforcements.

But while Patterson impressed for the under-23 squad last term, Sunderland remain committed to bringing in a more senior player to challenge Burge - opening the door for the youngster to gain experience out on loan.

Patterson, 20, will not count towards the squad cap set to be imposed on League One clubs this term due to his age.

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