Sunderland, Regis Le Bris, Anthony Patterson
(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media, Imago)
Mick Brown
Tue 15 July 2025 9:20, UK
Sunderland have made a U-turn on their decision surrounding the sale of Anthony Patterson this summer, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Regis Le Bris is open to keeping the 25-year-old in the North East.
The Black Cats had previously planned to bring in a nailed-on first-choice goalkeeper, which would have facilitated Patterson’s exit amid interest from the likes of Southampton.
However, the addition of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone would more likely see them drum up competition for the number-one shirt between their two options.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Sunderland have joined the race to sign Johnstone and are prepared to rival Leeds for his signature.
Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider that Sunderland will entertain offers for Patterson if they can land a new goalkeeper as they work on signing key targets.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson
Anthony Patterson’s future has been up in the air. (Credit: Imago)
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Sunderland make Anthony Patterson exit decision
Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that Southampton are interested in signing Patterson as they plan to replace Aaron Ramsdale before the season begins.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that the Black Cats could allow their two goalkeepers to battle for a starting place.
“*Anthony Patterson is highly rated at Sunderland,*” he told Football Insider.
“But they’ve just been promoted to the Premier League and they’re looking to upgrade in every position if possible to give them a chance of staying up.
“If possible, I hear they’d like to have two goalkeepers who can compete for that starting spot.
“Sam Johnstone being available would be a top-class option for them.
“If he comes in, they’ll take the view that Patterson can only improve by working with Sam and it would beneficial for everybody to keep hold of them both.
“The manager can let the two of them compete for that number-one spot.
“He’d be happy to keep hold of Patterson, even though they’re looking at new options, because it means they’ll be capable of making changes if things go wrong.
“I think that would be a step in the right direction for Sunderland.”
Sunderland Regis Le Bris
Regis Le Bris is determined to strengthen his squad. (Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
Black Cats eye Charlie Cresswell after scouting mission
Alongside the addition of a new goalkeeper, Sunderland are also aiming to strengthen throughout their squad, with a new centre-back on their radar.
Brown told Football Insider on 10 July that Sunderland want to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse, just one year after his departure from Leeds United.
The Black Cats sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old for England Under-21s at the Euros this summer and were impressed by his performances as England lifted the trophy.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 29 May Sunderland’s hierarchy would make “big” funds available for a summer overhaul following their promotion.
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