Wrexham among three Championship clubs in transfer battle for £10m-rated Sunderland goalkeeper
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is in demand.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is in demand this summer - with Wrexham said to be among 3 Championship clubs battling for his signature.
The third-choice keeper at the Stadium of Light has spent time out on loan at Millwall this season and the club has slapped a transfer fee of between £8m and £10m on Patterson, who could depart this summer.
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.
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And in a fresh twist, Wrexham have now been credited with a strong interest. Sky Sports News report: “Wrexham are weighing up a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. Millwall and Wolves are among the other Championship clubs keen on Patterson, who is available for transfer this summer. Wrexham have been impressed with Patterson's performances while on loan at Milwall in the Championship. But they hope Sunderland's asking price of around £8 to £10m can be negotiated.
“Patterson has two years left on his contract and is Sunderland's third-choice goalkeeper.”
As previously revealed by The Echo, Sunderland currently value Patterson in the region of £8million to £10million, though there is hope from the player’s side that the club will be realistic if he is to move to a Championship side this summer. That valuation may prove challenging for most second-tier clubs.
Competition for places at Sunderland is fierce, Melker Ellborg is understood to be content operating as Sunderland’s number two, while Patterson is not thought to be in the same position. The academy graduate is keen to play regularly at this stage of his career, and that is the key issue heading into the summer.
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