Man Utd and Crystal Palace in race for Sunderland star | OneFootball

Man United and Crystal Palace are interested in a move for a key Sunderland first team figure.

Manchester United and Crystal Palace are in the race to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

According to Alan Nixon, the Red Devils are eyeing a new number two behind André Onana.

Patterson has emerged as a bright young talent at the Stadium of Light, earning the role of first choice midway through their promotion campaign from League One in 2021/22.

The 24-year-old has played 98 times in the Championship for the Wearside outfit, helping the team come sixth in their first year back at that level in 2023.

But there has been speculation over his future with Sunderland since their disappointing end to last season, where they came 16th.

Anthony Patterson transfer latest amid Manchester United and Crystal Palace interest

Man United are in the market for a potential replacement for Altay Bayindir, with the club scouting young talent to come in and work under Onana.

It is understood that Erik ten Hag is hoping to add some competition for game time for the Cameroon international.

Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as a possible next destination, with the Eagles looking to strengthen between the sticks.

Liverpool are also still reportedly interested in the player in the event that Caoimhin Kelleher departs Anfield.

It is expected that any deal for Patterson could cost around the £20 million mark, although Sunderland are likely to only sanction a sale during the summer transfer window, so no mid-season switch is believed to be a possibility.

Patterson has a contract with Sunderland until the summer of 2028, giving the Championship side strong leverage in any upcoming transfer negotiations.

The shot-stopper has become a key part of the Black Cats’ first team squad, and Régis le Bris will surely be keen to keep hold of him as his side eyes Premier League promotion.

Sunderland league table

Patterson has featured in all seven of the team’s opening games so far this season, keeping four clean sheets and conceding only six times (all stats from Fbref).

It has been a positive start to the campaign for the new head coach, with his team sitting second in the Championship table.

A 2-1 loss to Watford on Saturday cost the club the chance to move top of the table, with the gap to West Brom remaining one point after their defeat to Sheffield Wednesday earlier in the afternoon.

Up next for Sunderland is a midweek home game against Derby County on Tuesday night.

Anthony Patterson move to Manchester United would be an interesting opportunity

If Patterson can keep performing at this level then a move to the Premier League would be no surprise, provided Sunderland remain in the Championship.

At 24, he still has a long career ahead of him and he still has room for growth as he gains more and more experience.

Becoming second choice at a club of Man United’s stature would be a great opportunity, especially if he is groomed to become the long-term replacement for Onana.

However, there should be some warning signs from Kelleher’s time at Liverpool, as his lack of game time behind Alisson Becker has been a source of frustration.