Anthony Patterson: West Brom transfer takes twist after Sunderland triumph

Anthony Patterson had been mooted as a target for West Bromwich Albion this summer.

The Baggies have plenty of work to do this summer, and among the list of priorities will be the arrival of a new goalkeeper.

Max O'Leary's future looks uncertain at best, with West Brom having previously struggled in that area of the pitch.

Patterson has been linked in recent weeks as a potential recipe for improvement after missing out on promotion with Millwall.

However, Sunderland's recent success may scupper West Brom's transfer plans this summer.

Anthony Patterson's future examined

As soon as Robin Roefs made the move to Sunderland last summer, it was clear that Patterson's days as their number one were limited at best.

He was then pushed further down the pecking order by the arrival of Melker Ellborg in January, hence his loan move to Millwall, where he thrived for the most part.

This summer was looking to be the time his long-term association with the Black Cats would come to a permanent end, but their success in qualifying for the Europa League may change that.

Sunderland need homegrown players to fill the squad quota for the competition, and Patterson would be the perfect player to have for that, but only if he were to settle for a place as their backup goalkeeper.

West Brom remain keen on Patterson, though their attention may turn elsewhere if Sunderland have that view on his homegrown status.

Melker Ellborg could be West Brom's next target

If Patterson were to stay at the Stadium of Light, it would make Ellborg's role almost redundant, and given his age, Sunderland will want him to play.

A loan move for the Swede could well be on the cards if that were to be the case, and it could be the chance that West Brom need.

The 23-year-old has made just four appearances for the Wearsiders since joining from Malmo in January, and would almost certainly welcome the prospect of playing regular Championship football.