Manchester United eyeing surprise transfer plan for Championship star

Manchester United are eyeing a move for a 21-year-old star from the Championship.

Manager Erik ten Hag was handed a bumper transfer kitty this summer as the Red Devils brought five new faces to the club.

Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all arrived to help bolster Ten Hag's squad.

But Manchester United are now said to be in the market for another acquisition from the EFL.

According to reports from The Sun, the Red Devils are keen on a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.

Patterson, 21, has quickly established himself as one of the Championship's best over the last two seasons.

He has played seven times so far this term for the Black Cats and kept four clean sheets.

Manchester United are said to be interested in the South Shields-born star who is seen as a perfect understudy to Andre Onana.

Altay Bayindir, who arrived from Fenerbahce in September 2023, has only made two appearances for the club.

The report also states how Tony Coton, the club's current keeper scout, is checking out the England Under-21 international.

Crystal Palace and Liverpool have also previously taken an interest in Patterson who is valued around the £20 million mark.

Anthony Patterson of Sunderland AFC (Image: Getty)

Former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has previously spoken glowing of the youngster who continues to go from strength to strength in England's second tier.

“The goalkeeper... listen, he's a top goalkeeper,” Mowbray told safc.com in 2023.

“I've been in football more than 40 years and this kid is a very talented boy who has an amazing temperament.

“Nothing fazes him, he's very calm about everything, he's not bouncing all over the place and losing the plot.

“He's a very calm goalie who makes great saves.”

Patterson recently signed a contract extension at the Stadium of Light expressing his desire to further develop his game.

“It was a no-brainer for me really,” Patterson told the Sunderland Echo when asked about his new deal.

“You just look at how well we’re doing this season so far and it was quite straightforward.

"The club’s philosophy of young players and developing them, it’s a place where I want to be.

"It was a big factor because obviously we have some great young talent in that squad and can only get better really. I look forward to the rest of my time here.”