Sunderland Echo

Anthony Patterson's blunt 23-word response to Tottenham and Wolves transfer interest after Sunderland vs Sheffield United

Submitted by daniel on Fri, 03/01/2025 - 06:00

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Anthony Patterson delivered a straight-to-the-point answer when asked about the transfer stories surrounding him

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Anthony Patterson says he is concentrating on playing for Sunderland amid transfer interest from Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur.

The 24-year-old 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. The goalkeeper’s long-term good form has reportedly caught the eye of Premier League clubs Wolves, Tottenham and Manchester United.

Indeed, Patterson saved Kieffer Moore’s penalty against Sheffield United on New Year’s Day live on Sky Sports in another boost to his profile just two days after fresh reports emerged linking the homegrown stopper with a transfer move away from the Stadium of Light during the winter window. However, for his part, Patterson 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.”

Patterson forms part of a tight goalkeeping group at the Academy of Light along with second and third-choice stoppers Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu. The trio works under goalkeeping Alessandro Barcherini, who has been credited with helping Patterson’s career progress.

"Yeah, Ali's brilliant,” Patterson told The Echo when asked about Barcherini. “His sessions every day are top and then the analysis he puts in for us goalkeepers and everyone around is really good and it doesn't go unnoticed.”

He added: “Obviously Si (Simon Moore) is really experienced. He's helped me a lot the past six months or so and I think we've got a really good group with Blondy in there as well and obviously Ali. We're all really close and we get on really well, so it's good.”

Sunderland are next in action against Portsmouth in the Championship at the Stadium of Light on Sunday with Patterson hoping his team can build on the win against Sheffield United.

“They're a good side and we'll have a look over the next couple of days of what their threats are going to be and hopefully we can get the three points at home again,” Patterson concluded.

Sunderland Echo

Man Utd join Tottenham in January race for Sunderland stalwart - report

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 04/12/2024 - 11:30

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Sunderland star Anthony Patterson continues to be a man in demand this winter

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Manchester United are the latest club to consider a January swoop for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, according to reports.

The Black Cats stopper has been in impressive form this season, and has established himself as a key presence on Wearside in recent times. Aside from a short period of injury earlier in the campaign, the 24-year-old has been a virtual ever-present for his boyhood club since breaking into the first team picture, and has 137 senior appearances to his name at the time of writing.

Indeed, Patterson’s recent performances have been enough to attract the attention of a number of mooted suitors. According to various reports, Tottenham Hotspur are considering a January swoop for the Sunderland star following a long-term injury to usual number one Guglielmo Vicario, while the likes of Liverpool and Crystal Palace have also previously been mentioned as admirers.

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But as per an update from the Daily Mail, Spurs could face competition for Patterson’s services this winter from fellow Premier League giants United. It is suggested that the Red Devils are considering a reshuffle of their goalkeeping options in January, with current understudy Altay Bayindir facing the exit from Old Trafford, and third choice Tom Heaton turning 39 in April.

As a consequence, United could be in the market for another alternative in the new year, and have supposedly earmarked Patterson as a possible target. It is also understood that the Red Devils continue to hold an interest in fellow Sunderland academy graduate Chris Rigg.

For their part, the Black Cats also have Simon Moore and Blondy Nna Noukeu on their books as senior goalkeeping options, while teenage talent Matty Young has caught the eye during the fledgling stages of his loan stint with League Two outfit Salford City. Whether any of that trio would be deemed immediate replacements for Patterson in the event of a January departure, however, remains to be seen.

To that end, a report from talkSPORT has claimed that Sunderland are eyeing up a goalkeeping swoop for their own, with Wigan Athletic prospect Sam Tickle on their radar. The England U21 international joined the Latics’ youth academy in 2012, but was released at the end of the 2017/18 campaign before managing to earn a scholarship at the Brick Community Stadium just a year later following a stint with non-league side Pilkington.

Sunderland Echo

Spurs 'eye' Sunderland transfer option after surgery blow

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 01/12/2024 - 17:00

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Tottenham Hotspur are said to have one of Sunderland’s players on their radar

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Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are keeping tabs on Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a possible ‘emergency signing’ after a serious injury to first-choice number one Guglielmo Vicario - according to reports.

Vicario has undergone ankle surgery after picking up the injury in Spurs’ 4-0 victory over Manchester City. It was revealed earlier this week that the player would be facing months out. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou said of the injury and the possible timeframe for a return: "I guess it was a bit of a shock, first of all. We saw he'd picked up the injury during the game. We saw him at half time, but there was no doubt about him continuing. You digest that and then, post-game, he was sore but, you're kind of like, he's just played 60 minutes with a sore ankle, but we'll tape it up and go again.

"Externally people now realise, it's a testament to him as a person. He's as tough as nails and tough as they come. The fact that he played at that level for 60 minutes with a fractured ankle was quite outstanding. The shock of it wears off and then you have to process that he's going to be missing for a while. Knowing him, he'll push the limits of how long that is. Also, knowing him, you'll get daily updates about that on his Instagram! It's a big blow, and for him personally, because he was having an outstanding season for us and really growing as a leader within the group but we've dealt with setbacks before and we'll deal with this one.

"It's not going to be weeks. It'll be months. He's had his surgery and, you know with surgery, there's certain timelines and because it's Vic... I don't like giving timelines so early in the process as something like that as it puts undue pressure on the player and some expectations. I think once we're past the rehab stage and he starts getting out (onto the training pitch), we'll have a clearer idea."

The blow has saw Spurs turn to the transfer market as they weigh up their options. According to the Sun, Patterson is one of the players they are considering while Burnley stopper James Trafford is another potential option. A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with Patterson this year, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Promotion rivals Sheffield United have also been credited with an interest along with Celtic and Crystal Palace.

Sunderland are said to rate the England Under-21 international at £20m with that fee already made known to other interested clubs. Patterson has been Sunderland’s number one since midway through the club’s final season in League One after he was brought in to replace Ron-Thorben Hoffmann under Alex Neil. He has played 14 Championship fixtures this term, missing four through injury.

Sunderland Echo

Tottenham scout Sunderland academy graduate pair vs Millwall, Arsenal also keen - report

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 25/11/2024 - 22:00

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Sunderland pair Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson were being monitored at The Den this weekend

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Tottenham Hotspur had scouts in attendance to watch Sunderland duo Chris Rigg and Tommy Watson during the Black Cats’ 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday afternoon, according to reports.

The academy graduate duo both started for Regis Le Bris’ beleaguered side at The Den as the hosts struck late to cancel out Aaron Connolly’s first half opener. Rigg in particular has made a notable mark on the Championship this season, and has subsequently been linked with a whole host of high profile English and continental suitors.

It would appear that Watson is beginning to turn heads too, however. As per TBR Football, both teenage talents were under close inspection from Spurs at the weekend - with a handful of other London-based Premier League clubs said to be monitoring the winger specifically.

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Alongside Tottenham, Crystal Palace and West Ham are also credited with an interest in Watson, who was previously the subject of a late bid from Brighton and Hove Albion during the summer transfer window. As for Rigg, it is claimed that Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal were watching him against Millwall as well, while Palace, West Ham, and Brentford are all name-checked as admirers too. Various other reports in recent weeks have touted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, among others.

In a recent interview, Sunderland head coach Le Bris expressed his belief that Rigg - as well as fellow in-demand teammate Jobe Bellingham - has what it takes to one day ply his trade in the upper echelons of the continental game.

He said: “The players are good - very good. I have worked with many, many players that have worked at the highest level. It is always a question of potential. We think that they could play at the highest level, Premier League or Champions League. But the question between the potential and reality is down to the pathway.

“I don’t think you can assess the reality of the size of Sunderland before being at Sunderland. I’m very confident for them but it’s still fragile. Yet their behaviours, for example Jobe, Riggy and other players, it’s very interesting their potential and qualities and the way they are managing this relationship with the game.

“If you can keep this relationship with the game then you can exploit your potential. If the environment around the football becomes more important then it will be more difficult. I’m just a part of their journey, really. If I can help them to grow, and if they can help us to grow as a club, then that’s a good connection. So we’ll have to see for the future.”

Sunderland Echo

Newcastle United linked with shock move for ex-Man Utd man as Tottenham Hotspur star handed huge ban

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 18/11/2024 - 13:32

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Here, we round-up all the latest headlines that have emerged from St James’ Park and beyond:

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Newcastle United linked with shock transfer

Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move for former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Pogba was handed a four-year ban for a doping offence back in February, one that was later reduced to 18-months.

The terms of the ban mean the midfielder is eligible to return to football in January and after agreeing a mutual termination of his contract with Juventus last week, he is a free agent. With the January transfer window approaching, Pogba, who helped France lift the 2018 World Cup, has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League with Newcastle United and West Ham, according to Fichajes, interested in a move.

Spurs star handed huge ban by FA

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been fined £100,000 and handed a seven-match ban by the FA after using a racial slur about teammate Son Heung-min whilst appearing on TV in Uruguay back in June. A statement by the FA read: ‘An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a seven-match suspension and £100,000 fine on Rodrigo Bentancur for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.

‘It was alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute. It was further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.

‘Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent Regulatory Commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing.’

Bentancur will now be unable to play in any of Spurs’ next seven domestic matches, but is available to be selected in the Europa League. The Uruguayan will not play again in the Premier League until Spurs’ trip to the City Ground on Boxing Day.

However, that does mean that he will be available for their clash with Wolves on December 29 and their first match of 2025 which will come against Newcastle United on January 4.

Sunderland Echo

Former Sunderland loan signing still motivated by Arsenal, Spurs and Crystal Palace snub

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 13/11/2024 - 20:00

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A former Sunderland winger has reflected on the snubs he received from a number of Premier League clubs earlier in his career.

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Former Sunderland loan signing Antoine Semenyo has reflected on coping with rejection from several clubs before embarking on a professional career with Bristol City.

The 21-times capped Ghana international was finally offered a deal with the academy system at the Ashton Gate club after spending time on trial with Premier League quartet Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Championship club Millwall. After earning senior experience with non-league club Bath City and League Two side Newport County, Semenyo joined Sunderland for the second half of the 2019/20 season. However, the Black Cats missed out on a place in the League One play-offs after the Covid-19 pandemic brought a premature end to the season and the final league standings were calculated on a points-per-game basis.

However, Semenyo’s involvement in the unsuccessful push for the top six was limited to just six substitute appearances and a solitary start, which came in a 2-0 defeat at Bristol Rovers on what proved to be the final day of the season. He returned to Bristol City and gradually worked his way into the Robins side over the following seasons to become one of the most dangerous wide players in the Championship. After scoring a total of 21 goals and providing 21 assists in 125 appearances in all competitions, Semenyo secured a first move into the Premier League with Bournemouth after the Cherries agreed a fee believed to be in excess of £10m during the January 2023 transfer window. After a slow start to life at the Vitality Stadium, Semenyo clicked into gear last season as he scored eight goals and provided two assists in 36 appearances and he has taken that momentum into the current campaign.

His performances over the first three months of the season have led to speculation over a possible move to the likes of Newcastle United and, ironically, Arsenal and Spurs, two of the clubs that rejected him as a youngster. In a recent interview, Semenyo has reflected on the path his career has taken since he was rejected following trial periods in his teens and revealed the experience still motivates his to this day.

"As a 15- or 16-year-old, you don't know how to cope with your emotions - being so high, being so upset all the time," Semenyo told Football Focus. “I did have a lot of doubts but I had positive parents. They always told me life's not always going to be roses. They are all experiences that you have to go through. But it’s definitely helped me and motivated me to this day."

Sunderland Echo

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou's verdict on future of Sunderland

Submitted by daniel on Mon, 12/08/2024 - 12:30

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Sunderland have touted for a loan swoop for a Premier League centre forward

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has already hinted towards the possibility of Sunderland-linked striker Dane Scarlett leaving the Premier League club on loan this summer.

The Black Cats are still very much in the hunt for reinforcements at the point of attack having been frustrated in their efforts to recruit a new centre forward in recent weeks. On Sunday evening, Sports Illustrated published a report suggesting that Regis Le Bris’ side hold ‘significant interest’ in Scarlett, who would ideally be brought in to supplement the arrival of a more senior figure as well.

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The 20-year-old spent part of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, but was recalled early by his parent club having been limited to just 146 minutes of Championship football over the course of 12 outings. The campaign prior, Scarlett scored six times in 40 appearances for Porstmouth.

And speaking about the player following his return to North London at the end of December, Postecoglou seemingly suggested that Spurs would have a decision to make over whether or not to sanction another departure for him this summer, if a suitable opportunity were to present itself.

The Australian said: “Good to get Dane back and obviously the loan didn't work out for him at Ipswich, which is disappointing for him and disappointing for us because the reason we sent him out on loan was to get some game-time, rhythm and develop.

“It hasn't worked out that way so it made sense to bring him back. He is back training with us and becomes available from January 1st again. Then it is up to him. He will stay with us until the rest of the year and we'll see how he trains and what opportunities may or may not come along, so we'll address those situations then.”

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Scarlett recorded just 19 minutes of Premier League football after being recalled to Spurs last term, and a further report from Football.London has reiterated the potential for him to seal an exit between now and the end of the month.

The online outlet claim that the forward’s future has been put ‘in doubt’ after he failed to get off the bench during a pre-season tour of Asia that included matches against Vissel Kobe, K-League Allstars, and Bayern Munich. Scarlett was involved in friendlies prior to the tour against Hearts and QPR, but evidently did not impress enough to convince of Postecoglou of the need for his continued inclusion.

Sunderland Echo

Ex-Sunderland, West Ham and Rangers man posts 153-word message revealing Tottenham exit

Submitted by daniel on Wed, 17/07/2024 - 11:31

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The former Sunderland, West Ham and Rangers man took to social media to announce his Tottenham exit

Former Sunderland, Portsmouth and England striker Jermain Defoe has left his role at Tottenham Hotspur.

The ex-striker wants to take his first steps into the world of management and threw his hat into the ring to take the Sunderland job earlier this summer before the appointment of Régis Le Bris.

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Defoe - who also played for Rangers, Bournemouth and West Ham during his career - has been coaching at former club Tottenham for some time but has now departed his post as he looks to take the next steps in his career.

“For the past two seasons I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaching time at THFC,” wrote Defoe on social media. “Today I leave this incredible club, and I want to say thank you to all the amazing people in the building who have helped me learn and grow.

“It has been a pleasure to achieve so much at Spurs including reaching UEFA A coaching status which was always an ambition of mine following my playing career. Spurs will always hold a special place in my heart and the fans already know how much the club means to me.

“How ver, now is the right time for me to move on and shape the rest of my coaching and managerial career, nevertheless I will forever remember my time at Spurs fondly. All great journeys eventually come to an end and I wish everyone at the club nothing but the best for the coming season and the future. Until next time,” he concluded.

Sunderland Echo

Newcastle United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur given transfer hope as contract talks stall

Submitted by daniel on Tue, 16/07/2024 - 17:00

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Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer as talks over a new contract with Juventus stall.

Newcastle United have been among those credited with an interest in the Italian international this summer as doubts grow over his long-term future at Juventus. Chiesa has spent the last four years in Turin following a move from Fiorentina, but reports suggest his relationship with the club is growing distant and that he could be sold this summer.

With just one year left on his current deal, Juventus may look to sell Chiesa this summer in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year. A fee of around £20m could be enough to secure his services this summer amid reports that an agreement over a new deal is not forthcoming.

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The 26-year-old scored ten goals in 37 games in all competitions last season and was part of the Italy squad that were eliminated at the Round of 16 group stage at Euro 2024. Newcastle United are in the market for a versatile forward and Chiesa, who can play on either wing, could be someone they move for - however, they will face stiff competition for his signature.

That’s because both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been linked with a move for Chiesa this summer. Unlike the Magpies, Chelsea and Spurs can offer Chiesa European football next season.

Sunderland Echo

Sheffield United set demands for Leeds United target as Luton Town sign former Arsenal and Spurs defender

Submitted by daniel on Sun, 14/07/2024 - 17:00

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The latest transfer talk from across the Championship.

Leeds United have reportedly identified Sheffield United right-back Jayden Bogle as their preferred target as the Whites aim to strengthen Daniel Farke’s defensive options.

After failing to secure an immediate return to the Premier League following their Championship play-off final defeat against Southampton, there were concerns there could be a firesale at Elland Road as the Whites dealt with the financial impact of having to spend a second season in the second tier. However, the £35m sale of academy graduated Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur has freed up some funds for Farke to use as he looks to guide the club back into the top flight during the upcoming season.

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Although the likes of Illan Meslier, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville continued to be linked with moves away from Leeds, there is a determination to freshen up Farke’s ranks and Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns and Joe Rothwell have already arrived this summer - but a right-back remains a priority and Bogle is said to be on the Whites radar. The former Derby County star has made over 100 appearances for the Blades since he joined them in a £3m move in September 2020 and was a regular throughout last season as Chris Wilder’s side suffered relegation from the top flight.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon has claimed Leeds will have to hand over around £7m if they are to persuade their Championship rivals to authorise a deal and ensure they strengthen at right-back following the departures of Gray, Luke Ayling and Cody Drameh. Danish defender Rasmus Kristensen is set to the return to Elland Road following a loan spell at Roma but could depart before the end of the transfer window and that would leave Sam Byram as the only option Farke possesses on the right-hand side of his defence.

Hatters snap up former Arsenal and Spurs defender

Luton Town’s own preparations for an attempt to bounce back into the Premier League at the first attempt got underway earlier this week when they signed free agent Shandon Baptiste following his departure from Brentford.

Hatters boss Rob Edwards has now made a second new addition to his squad after he secured the signing of Arsenal youngster Reuell Walters. The versatile 19-year-old has been a regular feature in Gunners academy sides in recent years after joining them from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 but reportedly rejected a new contract to join Luton on a free transfer.

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After completing the signing, Edwards said: “Reuell is another person we are delighted to bring into the club. He’s a really exciting signing – a dynamic, quick, talented young player. He’s had a brilliant upbringing at a couple of top clubs, and we are so pleased to get his move done. Pathway is very important to him. That is one of the reasons why he is leaving Arsenal. He had a number of inviting options, but we are so glad that he chose us and sees us as the right step to take on his journey now.”

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