Manchester United are plotting a shock move for ‘top class’ £20,000,000 Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, according to reports.
United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to have more competition for his No.1 goalkeeper, Andre Onana, and have started scouting Black Cats star Patterson.
That’s according to The Sun, who report that United goalkeeping scout Tony Coton is ‘checking out’ the 24-year-old, who ‘fits the bill in every way’.
Sunderland star Simon Moore labelled Patterson a ‘top class young goalkeeper’ last month in a special Q&A event between the club’s fans and summer signings.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a strong start to the Championship season – sitting second after seven games – as they aim for promotion to the Premier League.
Patterson is one of their star players and Sunderland have placed a £20m price tag on him, although it is thought that the second-tier side may accept less.
Patterson’s arrival could spell the end for United’s current No.2 Altay Bayindir, who looks like he could already be on the move to secure more playing time.
Patterson has also attracted transfer interest from Crystal Palace, who want him as a No.2 to support Dean Henderson.
The former England U21 international was on Liverpool’s shortlist too, amid talk of a possible Caoimhin Kelleher sale – but the Irishman ended up staying at Anfield in the summer – so no replacement was needed.
United may have to wait until next summer to bring in Patterson, given that Sunderland are likely to be in a promotion race and won’t want to sell him mid-season.
Patterson has been in fine form this season, helping Sunderland keep four sheets in the Championship from their opening seven league fixtures.
He was crowned North East Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year in 2022.
Patterson has spent his entire career at Sunderland, having progressed through their youth academy, although he was loaned to Notts County in the 2021-22 season.
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