Sunderland's Anthony Patterson set for Championship move - Leicester, West Brom & Southampton should swoop | OneFootball

Sunderland's Anthony Patterson could be available in January, and he would improve Leicester, West Brom and Southampton.

Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson could leave the club on loan in the January window after losing his place at the Stadium of Light to Robin Roefs.

The academy graduate had been a key figure for the Black Cats after helping them to promotion from League One in the 2021/22 campaign, and he was important as Regis Le Bris’ men returned to the Premier League last season.

However, the arrival of the impressive Roefs has pushed Patterson to the bench, which is sure to frustrate the 25-year-old.

Sunderland's Anthony Patterson could be a huge signing for any Championship club this January

Therefore, a temporary switch could be on the cards in the New Year, and according to journalist Alan Nixon, he could be heading out on loan to the Championship with Sunderland prepared to recall Matty Young from Salford if Patterson does move on.

Given his pedigree, it’s fair to say that a whole host of clubs in the second tier would be keen on Patterson, as he has proven himself at this level.

We know the importance of the January window when it comes to setting teams up for the run-in, and it’s no exaggeration to say there could be a scramble for his signature.

With that in mind, Football League World looks at THREE clubs that must be in the mix to sign the keeper…

Leicester City

The goalkeeping position has been a problem for Leicester all season, with Mads Hermansen, Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward all departing in the summer.

That left Jakub Stolarczyk as the number one, and, in fairness, he has done well at times this season, but a recent injury issue has seen Asmir Begovic step up.

To his credit, the 38-year-old has helped the team to two positive results, but it’s not an ideal situation.

So, Patterson would be a good option, and you would expect him to show enough quality to take the number one shirt from Stolarczyk.

That may seem harsh, but Patterson does appear to be an upgrade on paper, and he would relish the chance to show what he can do on a consistent basis, having spent the season so far watching from the bench.

West Brom

Josh Griffiths is West Brom’s number one at the moment, and it’s fair to say he is capable of some brilliant moments - as shown by his display at Norwich in October.

Yet, he doesn’t always convince, and he has made some big mistakes, including conceding a stoppage time goal to condemn Albion to defeat at Charlton.

Of course, that’s to be expected for any keeper, and, at 24, Griffiths is still young, and it’s worth noting that this is his first full season as number one in the Championship.

But, the Baggies need results for the here and now, with Ryan Mason aiming to take the club back to the Premier League.

So, he must be ruthless in January, and the reality is that Patterson represents an upgrade on Griffiths right now.

Southampton

With Alex McCarthy and Gavin Bazunu on their books, some will argue that adding a third keeper makes little sense for Southampton.

Yet, the duo are inconsistent, with Will Still having preferred McCarthy, but Tonda Eckert has brought Bazunu in for the past two games, suggesting he is the number one moving forward.

The Irishman has talent, but he does make some big mistakes, and most would agree that Patterson is an upgrade at the moment.

Crucially, the Sunderland stopper is also comfortable enough on the ball to play in the way that Eckert wants, which is a key strength of Bazunu’s.

So, you would expect Patterson to take the number one shirt if he arrived at St. Mary’s Stadium, as Southampton look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt.