"They are in no rush" - Pundit reacts as Southampton plot Sunderland transfer raid | OneFootball

FLW spoke to Carlton Palmer to discuss Sunderland's goalkeeper situation after they signed Simon Moore

Sunderland recently completed their first signing of the summer transfer window with goalkeeper Simon Moore joining the club on a free transfer.

The 30-year-old was recently released by Coventry City, and his signing bolsters the Black Cats' goalkeeping options ahead of the 2024/25 season.

However, with uncertainty over Anthony Patterson's future at the club, it remains to be seen if Moore could actually end up as the club's first choice goalkeeper later this summer.

Patterson has previously been linked with both Liverpool and Arsenal, and newly-promoted Southampton are also reportedly keen on a move for the 24-year-old.

Patterson is clearly still Sunderland's number one despite Moore's signing, and if the 24-year-old were to leave it would throw a huge spanner in the works for new Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris.

Former England international and current pundit Carlton Palmer believes that Moore is a good signing as back-up to Patterson, but isn't sure if he's good enough to be the Black Cats' number one should the man linked with Southampton depart.

However, Palmer believes that if Patterson was to leave, Sunderland would receive a hefty transfer fee, which could be reinvested.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Palmer said: "Sunderland have named their price for goalkeeper Anthony Patterson. They are standing firm on the amount they want for him, £15million-20million.

“It’s emerged that Southampton are the latest Premier League to be linked with him. Sunderland will hold out for the fee, they are in no rush to sell Patterson, as he’s under contract for several years, and he signed an extension to his contract in September.

“If they do sell him they’ll be looking for a big fee which will be in keeping with the fees that have come from big players in the Championship to the Premier League, like Aaron Ramsdale who went for £20million. "He’s a very good goalkeeper, but whether they will get the £20million is another question, but they’re in no rush to sell, so they can hold firm for the money they’re asking for. “Sunderland have signed Simon Moore on a free transfer, and it’s a difficult one. Aaron Ramsdale and Mark Robins have both praised him very highly, but could he be the number one? I’m not really sure. “Straight away you’re looking at that and saying he’s 34, which isn’t something Sunderland usually do when they sign players, they usually sign younger players. But at 30, he’s got experience, he’s available on a free and it’s good business.

“As I say, he’s been praised highly and if they don’t sell Patterson this summer, then he’ll be a good understudy and will give him some competition and be a good mentor for Patterson, so on a free transfer it’s a good bit of business.”

Keeping Anthony Patterson is crucial for Sunderland

Moore is a good goalkeeper, and he's got plenty of experience in the Championship, but as first choice, he'd definitely be a downgrade on Patterson.

However, if a club came in and offered £20million for Patterson, Sunderland would be forced to sell, which isn't ideal as they'll lose a quality player, but that sort of money could be reinvested, and they could sign another quality goalkeeper for a fraction of that.

Moore didn't make a single appearance for Coventry last season, showing he perhaps isn't a suitable number one for Sunderland should Patterson leave, but if he does remain at the club, he's certainly a suitable back-up.

Signing Moore was a smart move by Sunderland's hierarchy as he has plenty of experience and would be a good mentor to Patterson, but he hasn't been signed as first choice.

With a contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, Sunderland are in a good position when it comes to being able to keep Patterson. If they don't receive an offer they deem appropriate, they don't have to sell, it's as simple as that.

Sunderland won't want to lose Patterson this summer, but if he does depart, they'll be safe in the knowledge that they'll receive a hefty transfer fee.