Man United plot shock move for ‘top class’ £20,000,000 Sunderland star -Report

Man United plot shock move for ‘top class’ £20,000,000 Sunderland star -Report

Manchester United are plotting a shock move for ‘top class’ £20,000,000 Sunderland AFC goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, according to reports.

In an effort to give his starting goalkeeper, Andre Onana, more competition, United manager Erik ten Hag has begun scouting Patterson, a standout player for the Black Cats.

The Sun claims that Tony Coton, a goalkeeping scout for United, is “checking out” the 24-year-old because he “fits the bill in every way.”

Patterson was described as a “top class young goalkeeper” by Sunderland star Simon Moore during a special Q&A session with the club’s summer additions last month.

Currently ranked second after seven games in the Championship, the Black Cats are well on their way to becoming the next Premier League team.

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