Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson being watched by Sheffield United

Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has appeared on Sheffield United’s radar following their relegation from the Premier League, according to a report from The Sun.

Sunderland could face a battle to keep hold of the stopper this summer as they prepare for another year in the Championship. The Black Cats continue to search for a new permanent manager to replace Michael Beale following Mike Dodds’ interim spell in charge.

Patterson, 24, came through the academy ranks at the Stadium of Light and has been the club’s number one in recent years. He was a regular at various youth levels before breaking into the first team in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since.

In this latest update on his situation from The Sun, Sheffield United have identified him as a target ahead of the upcoming transfer window as they prepare for a return to the Football League under Chris Wilder. It looks like he could settle for £8m.

Sunderland I looked at Sheffield United

Sunderland will want to keep hold of Patterson as he is a key player for them and is one of their most prized assets.

Losing him to a league rival like Sheffield United would be a blow ahead of the next campaign, especially as both teams will want to compete at the top of the table.

However, the Black Cats would have a decision to make should a big-money bid come in from the Blades for his signature.

Patterson is under contract until June 2028, so Sunderland are under no pressure to cash him in anytime soon and can wait for the right offer to arrive if they consider letting him go.

The North Shields-born man has penned an extension right into 2022 to fend off potential interest from other teams.

He was given his debut in 2020 in an EFL Trophy clash against Fleetwood Town and also had a loan spell at Notts County in the National League to get some experience under his belt.

Patterson has now made 123 appearances for Sunderland in all competitions to date and helped them win promotion from League One for a number of years and then into the Championship play-offs last year.

Sunderland need to sort out their managerial situation first and foremost as they look to bounce back from their disappointing last campaign.

The past 12 months have been turbulent for the North East outfit and they need a new manager to come in and right the ship a bit.

He needs to retain Patterson’s services for at least another year and turn his attention away from Sheffield United.