Exclusive: Stoke Eye Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson Amid Goalkeeping Crisis

Injury-ravaged Stoke City are considering turning to Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson to solve their goalkeeping crisis, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former England Under 21 international was a key member of the Black Cats’ promotion winning Championship team last season as the club made a welcome return to the Premier League.

Indeed, Patterson was man of the match as Sunderland upset favourites Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley to reach the promised land — a high-profile performance that quickly caught the attention of analysts, fans, and top 5 betting apps tracking standout individual displays during the Championship play-offs.

But while the Wearsiders’ have flourished in the top-flight, their previous number one has been understudy to flying Dutchman, Robin Roefs. 

His solitary appearance this season was against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup back in August.

ALERTED

Patterson’s reputation and lack of activity has alerted a number of Championship clubs, with his situation also featuring prominently across free bets UK markets focused on potential January loan moves.

West Brom, Millwall and QPR have trained their sights on the 25-year-old. 

But having lost the “best goalie in the league” to a six-week thigh injury, Stoke gaffer Mark Robins is now looking to replace Gavin Bazunu.

The Republic of Ireland international only recently joined the Potters. And he marked his debut on loan from Southampton with a clean sheet in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw against QPR.

However, a freak training accident means Bazunu might not return to action until the start of April.

Bazunu was signed to replace last season’s player of the season, Viktor Johansson, who suffered a season-ending injury, and Patterson is now being eyed as a short-term loan option to cover both absences.

And with eighth placed Stoke pushing for a play-off berth, Robins wants an experienced first choice replacement. 

HIGHLY-RATED

City recently allowed Jack Bonham to join Bolton on an 18-month deal, reuniting with ex Stoke manager, Steven Schumacher.

Highly rated youngster Tommy Simkin kept three successive clean sheets prior to Bazunu’s arrival.

But his handling was less than perfect in Tuesday night’s 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough as Stoke lost the tag of the second tier’s meanest defence to Ipswich Town.

Patterson would be a perfect fit though any deal would be short term rather than a more permanent switch for the boyhood Sunderland supporter.

In other news, Standard Liege are readying an improved €2m bid for Stoke’s left-back Eric Bocat after their initial loan offer was rejected, but the Potters remain reluctant to sell the injured defender amid their Premier League push.