QPR join Leicester City, Southampton FC in Sunderland transfer race - he could fix Julien Stephan 'emergency' | OneFootball

Anthony Patterson will reportedly depart the Stadium of Light in January

Queens Park Rangers have emerged as contenders to sign Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson ahead of the January transfer window.

The 25-year-old is potentially set for a temporary move away from the Stadium of Light. That’s according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon channel.

Patterson, a product of Sunderland’s academy, has been a key figure for the club in recent seasons.

He played an important role in the Black Cats’ promotion from League One during the 2021/22 campaign and remained first choice as the club stabilised itself back in the Championship before securing promotion to the Premier League last season under Regis Le Bris.

Robin Roefs has, however, taken the number one shirt since their return to the top flight, with Patterson joining a number of Sunderland's promotion heroes on the periphery as Le Bris' side continue to impress in the Premier League.

QPR join transfer contest for Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson - they’ll face up against Southampton, Leicester City

According to Alan Nixon, writing on his Patreon channel, QPR are taking “a big interest” in Patterson as they assess their options in goal for the second half of the season.

The R’s are expected to face competition from Southampton and Leicester City, who are also monitoring the situation closely.

Should Patterson depart, the Black Cats are prepared to recall Matty Young from his loan at Salford City - and will also look to longer term replacements.

Given Patterson’s pedigree and experience at Championship level - including getting out of it, interest from the second tier is hardly surprising.

The January window will be decisive in shaping promotion pushes and survival battles, and a proven goalkeeper with Patterson’s track record represents an attractive opportunity for clubs in need of stability at the back.

Championship goalkeeper landscape heats up race for Anthony Patterson

QPR fall firmly in the category of players needing an upgrade at the back.

Julien Stephan’s side have struggled for consistency in goal this season - with Joel Walsh, Paul Nardy and Ben Hamer all starting matches in the sticks amid injury and form selection issues. None have been able to assert themselves as the R’s number one, and FLW's QPR fan pundit has highlighted the area as an "emergency position" for Stephan to address ahead of January.

That defensive fragility has been a recurring issue for QPR - with only three sides conceding more goals - two of which sit in the relegation zone.

The Hoops are, however, unlikely to have a clear run at Patterson: the Saints will reportedly join battle despite already having Alex McCarthy and Gavin Bazunu on their books, though questions remain over consistency and decision-making.

Patterson’s comfort in possession will be seen as a key asset, aligning with Southampton’s desire to build from the back.

Leicester City would also be set to benefit from his signature - following a summer clearout that saw Mads Hermansen, Daniel Iversen and Danny Ward depart.

Jakub Stolarczyk has been thrust into a starting role, with veteran Asmir Begovic deputising during recent injury issues. The Foxes are expected to explore long term solutions.

For the player himself, a loan move represents an opportunity to regain momentum and reassert himself as a leading Championship goalkeeper after a frustrating spell on the Sunderland sidelines.

It would allow the club the opportunity to continue developing a valued and sentimental asset while maintaining control over his future.