Manchester United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Sunderland's Anthony Patterson, with the Red Devils considering signing a new number two goalkeeper next summer.
Altay Bayindir is currently Andre Onana's understudy at Old Trafford, with the former arriving from Fenerbahce in the summer of 2023, but he has only made two first-team appearances for the Red Devils.
According to The Sun, Bayindir could be on the move in search of regular football, as the Turkey international is only likely to receive action in the EFL Cup unless Onana picks up an injury.
The report claims that Patterson is being wanted by the 20-time English champions, with the Premier League club's goalkeeping scout Tony Coton keeping a close eye on his performances.
Patterson 'emerges as transfer target for Man United'
Onana's performances have been much improved this season, and he will remain Man United's number one while Erik ten Hag is in charge, with Patterson only viewed as a number two.
However, the Englishman is likely to jump at the chance to move to Man United, even if he has to give up his status as a number one goalkeeper.
Patterson came through the youth system at Sunderland, and he has now made 129 appearances for the club in all competitions, including 117 league outings.
The goalkeeper has kept clean sheets in four of his six Championship appearances this term, and he is bidding to help the Black Cats secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Crystal Palace and Liverpool are also believed to be tracking Patterson, with Sunderland expected to listen to offers in the region of £20m for him due to the growing interest.
Could Patterson arrive as a number three?
Patterson's route into the Man United XI would be blocked by Onana, as Ten Hag has full faith in the Cameroonian, but Bayindir, as mentioned, could potentially be on the move next year.
Tom Heaton is also still at the club, with the experienced goalkeeper signing a new one-year contract over the summer, but this is expected to be his final season at the club.
In theory, the Red Devils will be looking for a new number three next year, but it is highly unlikely that Patterson would arrive unless Bayindir moves on, as both will be expecting to be the number two.
Much could depend on how the 2024-25 campaign unfolds for Sunderland, as the Black Cats have shown this season that they are more than capable of challenging for promotion back to the Premier League.
