Coventry City weigh up transfer for Sunderland promotion-winner | OneFootball

Coventry City could move for Sunderland's Anthony Patterson if they can't seal a deal for Carl Rushworth on a permanent basis.

Coventry City will officially seal promotion to the Premier League if they avoid defeat at Blackburn on Friday night.

In reality, due to their superior goal difference, Frank Lampard’s side should already be seen as a top flight side, but they will still want to seal the Championship title.

With promotion in the bag, the Sky Blues recruitment team will start work on improving the squad as they look to have a real go in the Premier League after 25 years in the Football League.

There will be different opinions on where they need to strengthen, but most Coventry fans would agree that bringing Carl Rushworth back to the club permanently must be a priority.

Anthony Patterson emerges as alternative to Carl Rushworth for Coventry City

The stopper has been outstanding for the Midlands outfit this season after arriving on loan from Brighton, so it’s no surprise that Coventry are seeking to make the deal a permanent one this summer.

Yet, it may not be straightforward, as Brighton’s plans for Rushworth are unclear, and he is attracting interest from elsewhere, with Ipswich the latest club to be linked with the England youth international, who could command a fee in excess of £20m.

So, Coventry must have alternatives in mind, and journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson is still on their radar.

The 25-year-old was hugely influential for the Black Cats as they won promotion last season, but he was ruthlessly replaced by Robin Roefs this season, although the Dutchman’s performances have proven that to be the right decision by Regis Le Bris as they enjoy a brilliant season.

Therefore, Patterson was sent out on loan in January, with Millwall signing the keeper, and he has done well with the Londoners, keeping four clean sheets in ten games, with the Lions seemingly set for a top six finish.

Anthony Patterson will feel he is ready for Premier League opportunity

As it stands, though, he will return to the Stadium of Light in the summer, and his long-term future is in doubt, as Patterson is sure to want to move for regular football having helped Sunderland win promotion 12 months ago.

And, on paper, he would appear to be a decent signing for Coventry, even if Patterson is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.

But, he has been very good in the Championship over the years, and, given his age, he still has room to improve, so it feels inevitable he will get a chance in the top flight sooner rather than later.

During his time with Millwall, Patterson has reminded people why he was so highly rated. He is a smart shot-stopper, he can distribute the ball well, and he is brave in the way he comes out.

Clearly, a deal is there to be done in the summer, so Patterson certainly seems a realistic option if Rushworth can’t be signed permanently.

Obviously, agreeing a fee with Brighton has to be the priority for Coventry, but it’s encouraging that they have backups lined up, as a massive summer awaits, and Lampard will want the bulk of their business done as soon as possible.