According to a report in Sunderland Echo, Celtic are one of a number of clubs monitoring the situation of Sunderland goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson. The Black Cats stopper is said to be valued at £20 million, so say the Sunderland Echo, who claim that the Hoops, along with Premier League heavy hitters Arsenal and Liverpool, are keeping a close eye on him ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Echo reports though that neither the player or his camp are likely to agitate for a move away this close season, as the boyhood Sunderland fan is eager to continue his development at the Stadium of Light.
Added to this is the strong belief that if he were to move to a top Premier League side, vis-a-vis the Gunners or the Merseyside outfit, he would only be a back-up goalkeeper.
They say that whilst the 23-year-old is not looking for a move that that doesn’t mean something won’t arrive for his services come the summertime and give him and his club food for thought.
£20 million? It’s not happening for Celtic
If he were to leave, it would be for a regular starting berth who competes for titles and domestic honours, which definitely would – at least hypothetically – place the Bhoys in the running for him. Although, at £20 million, it’s another that you just cannot see happening whatsoever under these conditions.
There’s no getting away from the fact though that goalkeeper could be the most important signing we make during the next few months.
Joe Hart will leave a major void to fill
Joe Hart is set to bring down the curtain on a wonderful career in the game and Celtic have been the beneficiaries of his last ounces of top-level football. Joe’s personality will be as equally missed as his experience and goalkeeping abilities, leaving us with a major void to fill.
We have to get this one right.
Paul Gillespie
