Latest Liverpool news as a Championship stopper emerges as a potential summer target. The Reds and Manchester City have reportedly made checks on a teenage talent.
Liverpool returns to action in the Europa League on Thursday night. The Reds take on Atalanta in the first leg of the quarter-final at Anfield and will be eager to return to winning ways after the draw with Manchester United. Only after that match will focus switch back to domestic matters and the title push, with Crystal Palace the visitors at the weekend. Despite Liverpool being yet to appoint Jürgen Klopp’s successor, speculation remains over potential summer additions.
Reds target Sunderland stopper?
Liverpool could reportedly make a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer. Patterson, 23, only signed a new long-term deal earlier this season but has attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
According to This Is Anfield, Liverpool has identified Patterson as an option if Caoimhín Kelleher departs at the end of the season. The Republic of Ireland international was the subject of interest last summer while Nottingham Forest was also keen in January.
Liverpool was reluctant to lose Kelleher though and that decision has paid off, with the goalkeeper impressing in recent weeks in Alisson’s injury absence. But the Brazilian’s return to fitness is likely to see Kelleher drop back down to the bench.
It is claimed that Kelleher could be tempted by the opportunity of becoming a No.1 elsewhere and that could open the door for a potential move for Patterson. It is claimed that Sunderland would demand around $19m (£15m/€18m) for the goalkeeper this summer.
Patterson has had a decent campaign for the Black Cats, keeping 11 clean sheets, with Sunderland currently 13th in the Championship table.
Liverpool and Man City ‘scout Brazilian wonderkid’
Reports in Brazil suggest Liverpool has scouted young defender Pedro Lima in recent weeks, with Manchester City also making checks on the 17-year-old. Lima currently plies his trade with second-tier side Sport Recife.
Lima, who predominantly plays at right-back, was watched by City over the weekend, claims Globo Esporte. The report adds that Liverpool and Chelsea has also made checks on the teenager in recent weeks.
Sport chief João Marcelo Barros is quoted as saying: “There’s nothing very new there. Scouts from all over the world have been watching him. Maybe the news won’t get out, but a lot of scouts have come from abroad this year.”
Lima is said to have a release clause of $13m (£10m/€12m) and that could alert the Premier League sides to make an approach during the summer transfer window.
