SUNDERLAND keeper Anthony Patterson should be heading for the Premier League in the summer — with Wolves and Leicester making him a major target.
The 22-year-old has become one of the best young stoppers around and the top-flight pair will have a go for him in the next transfer window.
While the Black Cats have promotion ambitions of their own this season they could cash in on their home-grown starlet and collect around £10million if they fail to go up.
Wolves chief Julen Lopetegui sees Patterson as the ideal choice to come in and compete with, and eventually take over from, Portuguese international Jose Sa.
Patterson may have to wait for his chance if he goes there and that will be part of the equation as he looks at his best options come the summer.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is looking for a new long-term successor to Kasper Schmeichel and Patterson is firmly on his radar.
He would certainly fancy his chances of replacing Wales’ Danny Ward if he goes to the King Power.
Patterson’s arrival would also make it easier for Daniel Iversen to move on after making just two appearances in the Premier League since his arrival in 2018.
Stoke are long-time admirers of the club’s No 2 keeper but failed to land him during last month’s window.
Patterson may find other admirers come in for him too as he looks the part after a dramatic rise to fame over the past year.
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But both Wolves and Leicester are hoping to steal a march on the competition and prise the North Shields lad away from the North East.
The two Prem clubs were both impressive victors as they moved clear of the drop zone on Saturday.
Wolves downed Liverpool 3-0 and new winger Tete inspired the Foxes' to twice come from behind to win 4-2 at Aston Villa.
