Sunderland have received the positive news that Anthony Patterson is likely to stay at Sunderland until the end of the season.
Patterson has been linked to Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, but Spurs are now thought to be prepared to wait until the summer.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has opted to rely on Fraser Forster while Guglielmo Vicario continues recovery from an ankle injury, instead of making a January move.
Patterson has also been linked with Manchester United. The Red Devils’ current second choice, Altay Bayindir, is set to leave, so they are in need of a replacement.
But Patterson himself has spoken about his desire to achieve promotion. He told the Sunderland Echo: “I think the aim is promotion this year for all the lads. It’s a great feeling around the club, the atmosphere in the dressing room is great, so it’s going well.”
However, if Patterson were to leave the Stadium of Light, who could Regis Le Bris look to bring in?
Guillaume Restes
Guillaume Restes is the latest goalkeeping prodigy from the French youth setup. The 19-year-old has played for the under-21s and under-23s and has kept six clean sheets in 15 league appearances for Toulouse this season.
He has conceded 17 goals and his save percentage is 67% this campaign. He is proactive and has an aggressive streak, which may suit the high intensity of English football.
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Restes also received the honour of carrying the Olympic torch at Paris 2024 and was part of the France squad which claimed a silver medal.
Kristjaan Speakman, Sporting Director at Sunderland, has a tendency to target players from the French leagues, so could continue this pattern. Adil Aouchiche, Salis Abdul Samed, Timothee Pembele and Eliezer Mayenda all came from French clubs.
Lukas Jensen
Millwall’s keeper Lukas Jensen has made an impressive start to life at the Den and was highly regarded during his time at Lincoln City. He secured a move to the championship for just £400k last summer, after making 45 appearances for the Imps.
Jensen has kept eight clean sheets this season and has conceded just 18 goals in 21 appearances for the Terriers. The Dane has conceded 0.86 goals per 90 minutes. Only Sheffield United’s Michael Cooper and Leeds’ Illan Meslier have a better record for keepers who have made five or more appearances
James Beadle
Another option is James Beadle, the Brighton loanee currently at Sheffield Wednesday. The Englishman has previously been described by Wednesday manager Danny Rohl as a ‘game-changer’.
Beadle has looked solid during his extended spell at the Owls; he was also on loan there during the 23/24 season. This season the England under-20 international has a 62% save percentage and has conceded 1.36 goals per 90, across 22 appearances.