A fresh update concerning Anthony Patterson's future at Sunderland has emerged which could make Southampton favourites to sign the 25-year-old who has come through the ranks at the Wearside club.
Southampton fans have been concerned over the form of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu for a while and they will be delighted to see a new signing come in during the January transfer window.
Whether that signing is Anthony Patterson, will become clear but fresh news from the Stadium of Light will give the club plenty of encouragement that they can land their long-term target.
Queens Park Rangers and Leicester are said to be competing with Southampton for the player with all three clubs preferring a loan deal to a purchase.
All three clubs remain in the promotion hunt heading into 2026, although Southampton may just have the edge on the other two clubs. QPR have a relatively small squad and lack the finances to mount a sustained promotion push. Leicester, on the other hand, have lingering financial concerns and the spectre of a points deduction looming over them.
Sunderland deal preference sparks fresh incentive
According to transfer expert Alan Nixon, Sunderland are leaning away from a loan deal and would prefer a permanent sale.
Only Southampton, of the three clubs who are interested, would be able to stump up the cash to sign Patterson on a permanent deal. Although doing so would leave the Saints with four goalkeepers on their books.
Aaron Ramsdale is out on loan at Sunderland's rivals Newcastle United and may be unlikely to return to the South Coast club. Ramsdale's sale alone would more than cover the cost of Patterson's signing. Ramsdale's wages are currently being covered by Newcastle and it is unlikely that Southampton will want to continue paying the former Arsenal man £100,000+ each week, if the Saints remain in the Championship next season.
The Saints can expect to pay in the region of £12 million for Anthony Patterson's services and upwards of £20,000 a week in wages if he signed.
Affordability of Patterson deal explained
To put that into context, Sport Republic currently pay Alex McCarthy £40,000 per week and Gavin Bazunu £20,000 per week, according to Capology.com. George Long, who is currently on loan from Norwich, is being paid £8,500, according to the same source.
Southampton may decline to renew Alex McCarthy's contract which is due to run out in June 2026. That would save the club the wages which they could then use for a new keeper.
The sale of Aaron Ramsdale could be worth in the region of £20 million to Southampton, more than enough to but Anthony Patterson outright.
Whatever Southampton decide to do next, they have the financial clout to eclipse both Leicester City and QPR at this time. If they do decide to bid for Patterson, they are in a powerful position to dictate the terms. While signing a keeper of Patterson's quality won't guarantee promotion, it certainly would strengthen their chances.