Anthony Patterson 'couldn't refuse' Celtic as possible goalkeeper target sees mega price tag named

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford (left) challenges Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson -Credit:PA
Leeds United's Patrick Bamford (left) challenges Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson -Credit:PA


Former England international Carlton Palmer admits Anthony Patterson wouldn't be able to "refuse" an offer from Celtic, but reckons the Hoops will have to fork out to bring the goalkeeper to Parkhead.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the Hoops have joined Arsenal and Liverpool in pursuit of the 23-year-old, who was Sunderland's first choice keeper in their run to the Championship play-off semi-final last season. Despite the Black Cats sitting in mid table in the current campaign, Patterson has enjoyed a decent season, keeping 13 clean sheets in 44 matches in all competitions.

With Joe Hart hanging up his gloves and back-up keeper Benjamin Siegrist expected to leave Celtic next summer, boss Brendan Rodgers will be on the lookout for a number one stopper. And in the view of EFL pundit and former Premier League midfielder Palmer, a move for Patterson to the east end of Glasgow could be a good fit.

However, Palmer also adds that they won't be able to sign the keeper on the cheap. Speaking to FLW, he said: “So many of the Sunderland young players are linked with moves away from the football club. Obviously, it's been a disappointing season. They were hoping to be in the play-offs this season, but it has not materialised.

"One name that has been mentioned quite a lot last summer and at Christmas is their goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, who has been a consistent performer for the club. Celtic are a massive club, a huge club, a very good manager in Brendan Rodgers, European football.

Carlton Palmer -Credit:Adam Fradgley - AMA/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images
Carlton Palmer -Credit:Adam Fradgley - AMA/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images

"Of course, that would be something that you would not be able to turn down. Celtic would have to part with the best part of £15-20 million for Anthony Patterson, and I could see him leaving Sunderland to play in the Scottish Premiership, and then, if he is still young enough, he can come back to the Premier League.

"If he is available, I think there will be a few clubs in the Premier League who will be looking to take him on a permanent basis. A very, very talented goalkeeper.”