Anthony Patterson tipped to become Rangers number one as Sunderland demand set
Anthony Patterson could swap Sunderland for Rangers this summer.
The 26-year-old looks destined to be on the move in the upcoming transfer window after a loan spell at Millwall.
He performed well at The Den, but missing out on promotion to the Premier League has had an impact on his future.
The keeper now looks unlikely to remain in East London, leaving him to make a return to the Stadium of Light.
An immediate move away from the North East could be on the cards, with Patterson potentially ready to join Rangers to compete with Jack Butland.
How much would Sunderland want for Anthony Patterson?
The Englishman was a positive member of Millwall’s squad after sealing a January loan move to the Championship side.
He put in some top performances in between the sticks, but it wasn’t enough to reach the Premier League via the play-offs.
That leaves his future at The Den up in the air, with it being increasingly unlikely that he returns their permanently.
Sunderland are willing to let him depart this summer but are holding out for a reported asking price of £8million.
That could shut the door for many sides, but Rangers could still make him their number one after a summer move, says Millwall goalkeeper legend and former scout Bryan King.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, King said: “Sunderland want £8m for him and there’s no way Millwall can pay that.
“Good luck to him if he joins Rangers. I think it would be a good move for him and it’s not far down the road from Sunderland.
“There’s a number one there to fight for and he could make it his ahead of Jack Butland.”
Patterson has been linked with a move to Rangers and could soon make the Govan switch, but only if the finances are right.
How far would Rangers go to sign Patterson?
The Light Blues haven’t been afraid about spending money in the past 12 months, although mostly less than £8m.
Youssef Chermiti came in last summer for an initial £8m that will rise to £10m, so those funds could be replicated a year later.
A move for the keeper would arguably make more sense than the striker given his pedigree with both Sunderland and Millwall.
He has bags of experience in the EFL and has established himself as a top shot stopper within the English Championship.
Patterson would also act as the perfect alternative to Butland, who has needed true competition for many seasons.
Whether Rangers would be willing to spend that amount on the Englishman is unclear, but it certainly has the blessing of the legendary Millwall keeper.