Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
The 24-year-old has endured a mixed campaign for the Black Cats, who are set to compete in the Championship playoffs next week versus Coventry City.
Meanwhile on the South coast, Southampton have suffered an immediate and gruelling relegation from the Premier League, with the Saints losing 2-0 at fellow strugglers Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.
With just three matches of the top-flight term remaining, the managerless outfit are sitting rock bottom of the Premier League standings, clutching at 11 points.
Despite their immense difficulties in the Premier League this season, Southampton will be expected to fight at the top of the Championship during 2025-26.
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Southampton 'earmark' Sunderland stopper Patterson
According to The Sun, Southampton have already commenced their search for new first-team faces ahead of a hectic summer transfer window in the second tier.
The report claims that the Saints are considering an off-season swoop for Sunderland shot-stopper Patterson, who is proven at Championship level.
It is understood that the 24-year-old would be available for a transfer should Regis Le Bris's Black Cats be unsuccessful in the playoffs.
However, should the North-East giants reach the Premier League, Patterson is expected to remain at the Stadium of Light for another year at least.
The North Shields-born goalkeeper would be a direct replacement for Aaron Ramsdale, who is set to depart St Mary's this summer following Southampton's relegation.
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Southampton also looking further afield
With former Arsenal man Ramsdale heading out of the South coast door, Southampton are ramping up their efforts to recruit a new shot-stopper before August 9.
The Saints are casting their scouting net across Europe, with Angers first-choice keeper Yahia Fofana supposedly an option for the Championship club.
Fofana has kept seven clean sheets in 32 Ligue 1 appearances for Le SCO this term, while also representing Ivory Coast on the international stage.
Carter White
