Sunderland provided a boost in potential Birmingham City transfer chase
Sunderland had another reality check on Monday, following an away victory against Cardiff City that ended a nine-match losing streak on Good Friday.
Championship strugglers Blackburn Rovers pummeled the Black Cats in front of an estimated 40,000 fans at the Stadium of Light, winning 5-1 away in what can only be described as a humbling defeat for the home team.
The result places Sunderland 13th in the Championship standings, 13 points behind the top six and a play-off spot with only six games remaining.
It is safe to assume at this stage that the Black Cats will not be promoted this season and that could have big consequences for the club this summer.
Sunderland eyeing Sam Tickle as Anthony Patterson replacement
One example is with the club’s young players, who may elect to leave when the transfer market opens if interest from the Premier League surfaces.
Goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, for example, appears to be one player the club is looking to do without.
The shot-stopper has previously been connected with Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland are thought to be looking for a successor, implying that he may soon go.
The Black Cats are allegedly interested in Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
That is according to Alan Nixon on Patreon, who writes that the Black Cats are keeping an eye on the England under-21 international.
Nixon reveals Sunderland’s “fear” of bids for Anthony Patterson in the summer, which explains their interest in Tickle.
The Latics shot-stopper, like Patterson, is 22 years old and is having a breakout season, appearing 47 times in all competitions so far this season.
But they’re unlikely to be the only ones in the race with Birmingham City and Everton among the clubs also linked.
Pundit assesses Sunderland/Sam Tickle links
Former England international midfielder and analyst Carlton Palmer says Sunderland may face a difficult season due to interest in some of its key players, but he believes Tickle would be a valuable addition.
“Sunderland are facing a tricky summer in the transfer market given that they won’t get promotion this season,” Palmer explained to FLW.
“A lot of their stars will be looking to move on to Premier League clubs, and one of those players that will be looking for a move is Anthony Patterson, who has been outstanding for Sunderland.
“He’s been linked with several Premier League clubs, and should they not get promoted, he’ll be one they’ll be tracking down.
“Sunderland have been looking at Sam Tickle, who has been impressing at Wigan as a possible replacement.
“There are several clubs that have been looking at Sam – the likes of Birmingham City and Everton.
“Obviously for a goalkeeper, you don’t want to go and sit on a bench when you’ve been playing regular football, so Sam will be looking at where he would go and play first team football and Sunderland would be a great place to go, as we’ve seen with Anthony Patterson who’s only 22 and has been a regular in the first team for a long team.
“I see Sunderland having a very big advantage over other clubs, but we’ll have to wait and see who’s in charge as Sunderland are already on their third manager of the season.
“We’ll have to see who’s in charge in the summer and then Sam [Tickle] will decide where he will go and play first-team football.
“If Patterson goes, which would be very disappointing for Sunderland, then Sam would be a very, very good replacement.”
It will be intriguing to observe what happens with Anthony Patterson and Sam Tickle this summer.
When the transfer window opens, the two could be on their way to other teams.
For the time being, however, both will be completely focused on finishing the campaign strongly for their respective sides.
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