Rangers have made a move to sign Anthony Patterson from Sunderland as they look to strengthen their goalkeeping options this summer.
Jack Butland’s future at Ibrox remains uncertain heading into the summer, with questions lingering over the experienced stopper following a difficult end to the campaign, making the search for a new goalkeeper one of Rangers’ more pressing priorities this summer.
Patterson has now emerged as a name on their radar, and the interest is genuine, but the financial reality of the situation looks likely to test the Gers’ resolve in the market.
With the Light Blues working to extend Liam Kelly’s contract, the Sunderland man could come in to replace Butland as Danny Rohl‘s first-choice goalkeeper.
Which area should Rangers prioritise on strengthening this summer? 🤔
Andrew Cavenagh has made some bold promises!
Sunderland price tag poses problem for Rangers
According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Sunderland are willing to listen to offers of at least £8million for Patterson after the goalkeeper fell behind Robin Roefs and Melker Ellborg in the Black Cats’ pecking order, effectively making him surplus to requirements at the Stadium of Light.
Rangers have explored a move for the 26-year-old, but Downie explicitly stated that the £8m price tag is prohibitive for the Ibrox club in what is a candid assessment that suggests a deal in its current form is unlikely to materialise without significant movement on Sunderland’s valuation.
Championship clubs Wolves, Wrexham, and Millwall are also among those keen on the Englishman, giving the Wearside-based club plenty of leverage and little incentive to reduce their asking price for a goalkeeper who has a significant amount of first-team experience under his belt.
It is worth noting that Patterson, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Millwall, has made 169 appearances for Sunderland so far.
Andrew Cavenagh seems to be working overtime!
This is great news for Rangers… 💪
What it means for Danny Rohl’s side
The Patterson situation highlights the financial constraints Rangers are operating within this summer, even as Andrew Cavenagh‘s recruitment drive gathers momentum with the arrival of Lawrence Shankland and potentially Dan Neil.
An £8m outlay on a goalkeeper would represent a significant portion of the transfer budget, and with midfield and wide areas also requiring investment, Rangers may need to identify a more cost-effective solution between the posts.
Patterson is clearly a profile they want, but whether that price is one they can meet is another matter entirely.
