Sunderland Echo

Sunderland under-21s returned to action on Monday night in the Premier League 2 against Tottenham at Eppleton CW.

Felix Scott netted two superb goals for Sunderland in the second half after a goalless opening stanza but Tottenham bagged three of their own to secure a 3-2 win at Hetton in the Premier League 2 in front of a crowd of 382.

Sunderland came into the game hoping they could take another step towards securing a spot in next season’s Premier League International Cup. A top-16 finish would also guarantee qualification for the end-of-season play-offs. The Black Cats were 12th coming into the game. Graeme Murty’s men have just one game of the regular campaign left away to Aston Villa on Friday and will need to win it to secure their goals.

Lead coach Murty named a very youthful looking under-21s side which included eight under-18 scholars, with the likes of Joe Anderson, Tom Lavery, Harrison Jones, Ben Middlemas and Oli Bainbridge all with Régis Le Bris first-team for the clash against Norwich City in the Championship on Tuesday night at Carrow Road. Rhys Walsh and Cuba Mitchell were also rested after last week’s draw against Nottingham Forest as Murty rotated his squad with both making the bench.

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Marcus Neill, playing up front, had Sunderland’s best chance of the first half after 25 minutes but saw his curling shot deflected for a corner after good work from Felix Scott. Seconds later Fin Holcroft managed to block a certain goal with a crucial block. Tottenham upped the pressure as the half wore on with a series of attacks and corners with the home side pinned back at time but looking promising on the counter.

Sunderland goalkeeper Kelechi Chibueze produced a fine save to keep the scores level after 33 minutes with the former Leicester City man acrobatically diving to deny a Tottenham header. With the opening 45 drawing to a close Jack Whittaker tested Spurs’ goalkeeper Aaron Maguire but his tame shot was easily dealt with. The opening stanza ended goalless but Spurs took the lead through captain Callum Olussesi seconds after the restart.

However, Sunderland struck back soon after with Neill setting up Scott for a low shot in the area to level the scores. The 16-year-old first-year scholar then doubled his tally for the evening with a superbly struck right-footed shot 20 yards out, with Jaydon Jones getting the assist. Whittaker nearly put Sunderland further ahead but was thwarted by an excellent Maguire save. Seconds later, Oliver Irow levelled the scores at 2-2 with a clever finish.

With just three minutes of normal time to play, Tottenham re-took the lead after substitute Yusuf Akhamrich fired the visitors ahead. As Sunderland pushed hard for an equaliser, Cuba Mitchell and Archie Lightfoot came on for Jaydon Jones and Fin Holcroft. Spurs were able to hold onto a 3-2 win.

Here, James Copley rates each of Sunderland’s players against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League 2:

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Sunderland starlet Chris Rigg is the subject of transfer interest from the Premier League

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Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg could be worth £100 million in “two to five years”, according to EFL pundit David Prutton.

The teenage sensation has enjoyed a breakout campaign on Wearside this season, and has subsequently found himself at the centre of widespread transfer speculation involving a whole host of high-profile suitors. To that end, reports emerged over the weekend suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur could be willing to pay as much as £38 million to lure the England youth international to North London this summer, having previously forked out around £40 million to secure a similar deal for ex-Leeds United prodigy Archie Gray last year.

And while Prutton has admitted that it is difficult to know whether Rigg is actually worth such an exorbitant fee, the ex-Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has suggested that there is a version of events in which the Sunderland academy product is valued at considerably more than that figure in the relatively near future.

What has David Prutton said about Sunderland star Chris Rigg’s transfer future?

Speaking to Football League World, Prutton said: "Chris Rigg to Spurs for £38 million... that is a lot of money. He's still such a young kid, 17 years old, bursting through at an even younger age than that, sometimes you forget how many games he's been around for given many young players are dropping off the production line and into the first-team - they've done such a good job up in Sunderland.

"Over the course of the season broadly he's been very good, I know Regis Le Bris in recent weeks has wanted those exacting standards he's set for himself for Chris to live up to once again, which I've got no doubt he'll get to. That's sometimes par for the course when you're looking at the development of a younger player.

"£38 million... is he worth it? God knows, sometimes those types of figures can be rather arbitrarily put together, but of course they've got form have Spurs of spending a lot of money on a young player. Archie Gray, who had a season at Leeds that took them all the way to the play-off final - will Chris get something similar? We will soon see.

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"What you're paying for though is potential. You could put a hell of a lot money down on a player now for say around £40 million like we're talking for Chris, and then suddenly two to five years time he's worth £100 million - that's the speculation they're looking to turn into accumulation further down the line.

"Is he worth it? God knows, only time will tell, but Spurs being slightly transitional this season, Archie's got a lot of game-time which has been wonderful for him, but as a collective, Spurs haven't hit the heights they'd have been expecting to get to.

"Big-money moves, take Brennan Johnson for example, equals a lot of responsibility and expectation, and for a young kid who is 17, that could be a hell of a lot to deal with. So, I'm sure he'll be guided very well and firmly, but undoubtedly a real star in the making."

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The latest transfer gossip claims that Tottenham have submitted a £38million bid to Sunderland

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly lodged a £38million bid for Sunderland star Chris Rigg, with the North London club said to be “determined” to secure his signature this summer.

The gossip follows reports from The Sun on Sunday (page 55), stating that the 17-year-old is eager to play in the Premier League to further his development. Sunderland are believed to have set a £20 million valuation for Rigg, while West Ham have also shown interest, reportedly hoping to negotiate a deal closer to £10million. However, reports have now emerged suggesting Spurs have tabled a significant bid for the highly-rated youngster.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur have already submitted an offer for Rigg that is nearly double Sunderland’s valuation in their determination to secure the talented youngster. Spurs have shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent, having paid £40million to sign Durham-born Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer. Despite his age, the 19-year-old has featured more than expected this season due to injuries within Ange Postecoglou’s squad - a sign that Rigg could also be given opportunities should he make the move to North London.

What has Chris Rigg said about Sunderland recently?

However, speaking during a recent Q&A session with the club’s in-house media team, the England youth international reiterated his love and passion for Sunderland.

Question: “Hi Chris, I have a question for you. What's the best part about playing for Sunderland?”

Answer: “I think some people don't realise how much it means to put on a Sunderland shirt and give it your all for the team. I think I can say that I do every time I go on the pitch. So yeah, it's very special for me to be playing, and I'm trying to take every opportunity that comes. Yeah, I think that probably sums it up, to be honest.”

What Le Bris has said about Chris Rigg recently

Régis Le Bris recently said that Sunderland will manage Rigg carefully after he was dropped for the game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Le Bris added that Rigg was frustrated with what has been a dip in his form from a string of outstanding performances in the opening months of the campaign, but the Sunderland head coach has assured him that this is to be expected in what is his first campaign of regular senior football.

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Le Bris took the decision to drop Rigg to the bench for the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, with the youngster making a positive impact as a substitute in the closing stages as Sunderland saw out the win. Rigg was then restored to the starting XI to face Cardiff City but was sub the following game against Preston before playing 90 minutes against Coventry.

The Sunderland head coach says the form and consistency of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham highlight the benefit of their added experience, with both going through a similar challenge in their first full senior campaigns. It's why Neil and Bellingham are unlikely to be rested significantly in the weeks ahead as Rigg's minutes are carefully managed.

“They are not at the same stage of their career, this is really Chris Rigg’s first season," Le Bris said. "It is a new experience for him. It is not unusual for a player like that to struggle a little bit at this stage of the season, after 35 games. We spoke together last week.

“He said he wasn’t happy about his game level, but I said, ‘It is normal – you just have to adjust to this new experience’. As a club and as a staff, we have to create the right condition for him to be able to recover, then I am sure he will find his best level again.

"With Dan and Jobe, the situation is a little bit different," Le Bris added. "They are more mature and more experienced, even if they are still young. Jobe is still 19, but this is probably his second full season and that makes a bit of a difference. I think he has shown really good qualities. He maybe wasn’t always exactly where he would want to be, but he has maintained a very good performance level.

“He has never dipped too low, and that is probably just a case of him becoming more mature. With that kind of foundation, you can go on and reach the next level. Jobe was able to do that, and I think that has been the case with Dan as well. Because of their experiences, they have learned how not to waste energy on the pitch, like you do when you are younger.

“I think for Riggy, we are still in that phase. Sometimes, he could maybe make different decisions that result in the same outcome, but with less energy. We are here to help him with that, and I hope we are able to manage all three players properly until the end of the season."

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The latest transfer gossip claims that Tottenham have submitted a £38million bid to Sunderland

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly lodged a £38million bid for Sunderland star Chris Rigg, with the North London club said to be “determined” to secure his signature this summer.

The gossip follows reports from The Sun on Sunday (page 55), stating that the 17-year-old is eager to play in the Premier League to further his development. Sunderland are believed to have set a £20 million valuation for Rigg, while West Ham have also shown interest, reportedly hoping to negotiate a deal closer to £10million. However, reports have now emerged suggesting Spurs have tabled a significant bid for the highly-rated youngster.

According to Fichajes, Tottenham Hotspur have already submitted an offer for Rigg that is nearly double Sunderland’s valuation in their determination to secure the talented youngster. Spurs have shown a willingness to invest heavily in young talent, having paid £40million to sign Durham-born Archie Gray from Leeds United last summer. Despite his age, the 19-year-old has featured more than expected this season due to injuries within Ange Postecoglou’s squad - a sign that Rigg could also be given opportunities should he make the move to North London.

What has Chris Rigg said about Sunderland recently?

However, speaking during a recent Q&A session with the club’s in-house media team, the England youth international reiterated his love and passion for Sunderland.

Question: “Hi Chris, I have a question for you. What's the best part about playing for Sunderland?”

Answer: “I think some people don't realise how much it means to put on a Sunderland shirt and give it your all for the team. I think I can say that I do every time I go on the pitch. So yeah, it's very special for me to be playing, and I'm trying to take every opportunity that comes. Yeah, I think that probably sums it up, to be honest.”

What Le Bris has said about Chris Rigg recently

Régis Le Bris recently said that Sunderland will manage Rigg carefully after he was dropped for the game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Le Bris added that Rigg was frustrated with what has been a dip in his form from a string of outstanding performances in the opening months of the campaign, but the Sunderland head coach has assured him that this is to be expected in what is his first campaign of regular senior football.

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Le Bris took the decision to drop Rigg to the bench for the 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday, with the youngster making a positive impact as a substitute in the closing stages as Sunderland saw out the win. Rigg was then restored to the starting XI to face Cardiff City but was sub the following game against Preston before playing 90 minutes against Coventry.

The Sunderland head coach says the form and consistency of Dan Neil and Jobe Bellingham highlight the benefit of their added experience, with both going through a similar challenge in their first full senior campaigns. It's why Neil and Bellingham are unlikely to be rested significantly in the weeks ahead as Rigg's minutes are carefully managed.

“They are not at the same stage of their career, this is really Chris Rigg’s first season," Le Bris said. "It is a new experience for him. It is not unusual for a player like that to struggle a little bit at this stage of the season, after 35 games. We spoke together last week.

“He said he wasn’t happy about his game level, but I said, ‘It is normal – you just have to adjust to this new experience’. As a club and as a staff, we have to create the right condition for him to be able to recover, then I am sure he will find his best level again.

"With Dan and Jobe, the situation is a little bit different," Le Bris added. "They are more mature and more experienced, even if they are still young. Jobe is still 19, but this is probably his second full season and that makes a bit of a difference. I think he has shown really good qualities. He maybe wasn’t always exactly where he would want to be, but he has maintained a very good performance level.

“He has never dipped too low, and that is probably just a case of him becoming more mature. With that kind of foundation, you can go on and reach the next level. Jobe was able to do that, and I think that has been the case with Dan as well. Because of their experiences, they have learned how not to waste energy on the pitch, like you do when you are younger.

“I think for Riggy, we are still in that phase. Sometimes, he could maybe make different decisions that result in the same outcome, but with less energy. We are here to help him with that, and I hope we are able to manage all three players properly until the end of the season."

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All of the latest Sunderland-related news and speculation.

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Despite Sunderland not being in action this weekend due to the international break, there is still plenty of news and speculation doing the rounds on Wearside.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered up a couple of the stories that you might have missed from the past day or two. Check them out below...

Paul Robinson: Jobe Bellingham “fits mould” of Tottenham signing

Former Tottenham Hotspur and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has claimed that Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham “would fit the mould” of a typical signing for his old club. The Black Cats teenager has been in impressive form this season, and has subsequently been linked with a number of high profile suitors, including Ange Postecoglou’s Europa League hopefuls.

And speaking to Tottenham News, Robinson has admitted that he can understand why Spurs might be casting an eye over Bellingham. The pundit said: “He would fit the mould of players that Tottenham sign. You look at what they’ve done over the years, even when they signed me. Young, English, on the fringes of the England team at the time. Me, Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas, Michael Carrick, those types of players.

“And you look at what’s gone on through time, even Archie Gray as well. Jobe Bellingham would fit that category of type of player that Tottenham sign. Whether or not there is a huge shift in recruitment, if this season is a failure, if there’s no Europa League this season and Spurs end up 14th in the Premier League, whether there’s a huge shift in the boardroom and a huge change in the way that Tottenham recruit players, but they’ve always bought players that have got a good sell-on value at the right age. And for that reason, yeah, absolutely, he would fit that mould. But if he became available, I don’t suspect Tottenham would be the only one looking at him.”

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Luke Molyneux hails Sunderland captain Dan Neil

Elsewhere, former Sunderland prospect Luke Molyneux has delivered his opinion on current Black Cats captain Dan Neil, claiming that the midfielder has always been a “phenomenal” talent.

The 26-year-old, who is currently on the books at Doncaster Rovers after having graduated through the academy ranks on Wearside, and while he is a little older than his former teammate, he did represent the U21s alongside a 16-year-old Neil several years ago.

Reflecting on that experience during an interview with Sunderland’s in-house media team, Molyneux said: “Dan was phenomenal. He just had this natural ability and confidence that made him stand out. To see how well he’s doing now is no surprise at all. You could tell he was going to go far.”

Molyneux also took the time to express his gratitude to Sunderland’s youth system and coaching staff for helping him during the early stages of his career. He added: “They were brilliant with me. They knew how to push you without overwhelming you, and they really helped me understand the game better. It wasn’t just about technical ability – it was about mindset, discipline, and being prepared to work harder than anyone else. I owe them a lot.”

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Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor has been in fine form this season.

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Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor “impressed” scouts from both Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace during his goal-scoring turn against Leeds United on Monday evening, according to reports.

The Frenchman notched his twelfth strike of the Championship campaign at Elland Road, but ended up on the losing side as Pascal Struijk sucker-punched Regis Le Bris’ men with a late brace. Sunderland now find themselves eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Nevertheless, despite his opening goal ultimately counting for little, Isidor is said to have caught the eye of a number of Premier League representatives who were in attendance in Yorkshire.

According to an update from the Chronicle, Sunderland’s leading goal-scorer was “watched by a handful of scouts, including from Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace” on Monday. It is understood that the scouts were “taking a keen interest in a number of Sunderland's players, including Jobe Bellingham”, but were said to have been left “particularly impressed” by Isidor's display.

The 24-year-old joined Sunderland on an initial loan deal from Zenit St. Petersburg during the summer transfer window, and has wasted little time in endearing himself to supporters, reaching double figures in the goal-scoring charts and proving to be a popular and bright personality off the pitch.

Indeed, the Black Cats’ recruitment team saw enough from Isidor over the first half of the season to make his move from Russia permanent last month, wrapping up a £3 million deal and handing him a contract that is due to run until 2028.

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Speaking after he put pen to paper on his contract at the Stadium of Light, Isidor said: “I’ve been waiting for this moment since my first steps at the club, so I’m very happy. Right from the start, many moments made me believe that Sunderland is home for me and my family.

“On the plane from Zenit, I received so many messages from the fans, and then I saw the stadium and met the people for the first time. At my presentation against Burnley, I knew the fans would always support me and this has been true in my best moments and the toughest. I love playing for Sunderland, and this is just the start.”

Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: “Wilson’s made a really positive start to his time at Sunderland and we are delighted that he will remain with us permanently. Everyone can see that he thoroughly enjoys being part of our club and he has performed at a very high standard. In finalising this transfer, it’s also pleasing to note how motivated Wilson was to commit his future to Sunderland. This process has no doubt been supported by the warm reception he’s received from our fan base, who I’m sure will be delighted that he is now officially red and white.”

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Sunderland have been linked with a loan move for a Tottenham Hotspur striker.

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Sunderland have been given a strong indication they could be successful if they choose to revisit their reported interest in a Premier League youngster.

The Black Cats were one of a number of clubs said to be keen on a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Will Lankshear during the summer after the former Arsenal and Sheffield United academy frontman was handed a new long-term deal as a reward for the progress he has made since joining Spurs in the summer of 2022.

Sunderland were given some indication of what they could land should they make a move for the youngster after he scored twice for Spurs Under-21s in last season’s Premier League 2 play-off final win against a Black Cats side containing the likes of Harrison Jones, Oliver Bainbridge and highly-rated striker Trey Ogunsuyi. Lankshear has enjoyed mixed fortunes as he progressed into the first-team setup throughout the first half of the season and an admission from Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou on Tuesday afternoon has led to further speculation over the youngster’s short-term future with the North London club.

What have Spurs said about Lankshear’s future?

As reported earlier by The Echo, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s North London derby clash with Arsenal on Wednesday, Spurs boss Postecoglou said: “We can't afford to let anyone go at the moment. Alfie Dorrington has gone out on loan and it will be probably be similar for young Will (Lankshear) as well, because he hasn't played a lot.”

What has been said about Lankshear’s ability?

The young striker wasted little time in giving a glimpse of his undoubted potential when he came off the bench to score in a pre-season friendly win against Scottish Premiership side Hearts in July. Speaking after the game, Postecoglou said of the youngster: “Will was good. We kind of brought him in this last week. He’s looked bright in training. He worked hard. He’s had a very good year last year and it’s about rewarding him for that. It’s about coming in and making an impact. He did well and he took his goal well.”

Since that pre-season goal, Lankshear has made two Premier League appearances after coming off the bench to feature in the closing stages of a draw with Fulham and a 5-0 demolition of struggling Southampton. The youngster was handed a start in a 2-1 Europa League group stage win against Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros in October before experiencing mixed fortunes when Spurs met Turkish giants Galatasaray a month later as he bagged his first senior goal before he was shown a red card after receiving two bookings in the 3-2 defeat.

"Will [Lankshear] took his goal well, he worked hard for the team,” said Postecoglou after the loss. “Obviously he hasn't had a lot of experience at senior football so he would have learnt a lot today. The red card, it was a bit of over-enthusiasm in that moment to give away a foul, but he'll learn from that."

What has Lankshear said about his future?

As you would imagine, very little. However, the England Under-20 striker did discuss his aims for the future after putting pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal last summer. Speaking just weeks after his brace helped Spurs Under-21s claim a 3-1 win over their Sunderland counterparts in the Premier League 2 play-off final, he said: "It's a really proud moment for me and my family and everyone involved. I just have to thank them and everyone who has worked with me. I’m really determined to work so hard and try push on now and try to make a name for myself. I want to try to get into the first team and score as many goals as possible which is the best I can do as a striker."

Who else has been linked with Lankshear?

As reported by online outlet GiveMeSport during the summer, Sunderland faced competition from Championship rivals Hull City and Hollywood-backed League One club Wrexham when it was initially suggested Lankshear could head out on loan. Without naming any possible suitors, Football London claimed the young striker had ‘a lot of interest’ ahead of the January transfer window and suggested there was interest in both loan and permanent deals before the window closes for business next month.

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Ex-Sunderland star Josh Maja is reportedly in demand this month.

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Premier League giants Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are both “seriously considering” a move for former Sunderland striker Josh Maja, according to reports.

The 26-year-old has been in superb form for West Brom this season, registering 12 goals and two assists across 26 Championship outings so far. To that end, his performances have seemingly been enough to attract the attention of top flight suitors, who could look to make their move for the forward between now and the end of January.

Continental outlet Fichajes suggest that both Chelsea and Spurs are monitoring Maja’s progress, and could be tempted into tabling a bid for the player over the coming weeks. The report goes on to state that West Brom have placed a £15 million price tag on the ex-Sunderland man, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at The Hawthorns.

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For their part, the Baggies are very much in the hunt for a play-off spot this season, and currently sit sixth in the table, with 40 points from their opening 26 matches. At the time of writing, they remain managerless following Carlos Corberan’s departure in December, but are understood to be closing in on the appointment of Raphael Wicky, who was previously linked with Sunderland prior to the arrival of Regis Le Bris on Wearside.

As for Maja, the striker is a graduate of the Black Cats’ academy system, having previously spent part of his youth career with Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Manchester City. After making the step up to the first team at the Stadium of Light, he scored 17 goals across 49 senior appearances, before sealing a permanent switch to French outfit Bordeaux.

Maja would go on to score 29 times in 93 outings on the continent, and enjoyed subsequent loan stints with Fulham and Stoke City. In August 2023, he completed a free transfer to West Brom, where he has recorded 13 goals across 38 appearances in total.

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The £12.5million Premier League transfer deal will likely have ramifications for Sunderland during the window

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Tottenham Hotspur have announced the £12.5million signing of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Spurs have serious issues in goal with first-choice Guglielmo Vicario injured and Fraser Forster among those who have caught a sickness bug. Kinksy has kept 12 clean sheets in the Czech First League across 19 league appearances for Slavia Prague this campaign, with the club top of their domestic league, but has now made the move to the Premier League club after undergoing a medical over the weekend.

Spurs had been linked with a move for Sunderland’s number one goalkeeper Anthony Patterson repeatedly during recent windows, with the Black Cats fighting hard at the top end of the Championship. The 24-year-old has caught the eye of several clubs higher up the food chain, including Tottenham.

However, with Kinsky’s £12.5million move to Spurs now complete, it is unlikely that the Premier League outfit will continue their interest in Patterson, which hadn’t yet materialised into anything concrete in terms of formal bids. Patterson started for Règis Le Bris’ side last weekend as Sunderland defeated Portsmouth to move three points away from the automatic spots and 11 points clear of seventh place.

Patterson has established himself as a key first-team presence for his boyhood club in recent seasons and has featured in all but four of the Black Cats’ Championship outings so far this term. However, for his part, the player is uninterested in the noise.

When asked by The Echo whether he was aware of the transfer interest after the Sheffield United game, Patterson said: “No, like I always say, I'm a Sunderland player and I'm concentrating on this season and getting to Sunderland where they belong really.”

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Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has been the subject of widespread speculation in recent weeks

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Sunderland could be in line to receive a notable boost in their efforts to keep first choice goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this month, with reports suggesting that long-term admirers Tottenham Hotspur could instead focus their attention on signing Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone.

Patterson has established himself as a key presence on Wearside in recent seasons, and remains the Black Cats’ undisputed number one between the sticks. Indeed, he has already racked up 21 appearances in the Championship this term, with his only absences enforced by a brief spell of injury.

The 24-year-old’s performances have been enough to catch the eye of high-profile suitors too, with the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United both credited with interest in recent times. But according to a fresh update, at least one of those clubs may look to bring in a goalkeeper from elsewhere this month.

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As per TBR Football, Spurs are exploring the prospect of a loan deal for aforementioned Wolves talent Johnstone this January, with view to providing competition for Fraser Forster, who is currently deputising for the injured Guglielmo Vicario. For his part, the Molineux star has lost his starting role to Jose Sa in recent weeks, and is understood to be open to the idea of leaving his current employers in an effort to secure more frequent first team opportunities elsewhere. A temporary agreement could, therefore, suit all parties.

And from a Sunderland perspective, Spurs recruiting Johnstone over the coming weeks would almost certainly bring to an end any chances of the North London club making a significant bid for Patterson this winter as well. One complicating factor, however, is that Wolves have also been linked with the Black Cats academy graduate of late, and would presumably be on the lookout for goalkeeping reinforcements of their own, were Johnstone to depart between now and the end of the month.

As for Patterson himself, the goalkeeper has sought to play down any talk of his potential exit from the Stadium of Light. Speaking after his penalty-saving heroics against Sheffield United in midweek, when asked about speculation surrounding his future, he said: “Like I always say, I'm a Sunderland player and I'm concentrating on this season and getting to Sunderland where they belong really.”