£10m Arsenal and Liverpool target tipped to join Celtic

Celtic's need to sign a goalkeeper this summer is not unknown. The Hoops are set to see Joe Hart, who has been their number one between the posts for the past three seasons, retire at the end of this campaign. The club are expected to have a tough time filling his boots. Not only is the Englishman still a vital starter for them, but he is their most experienced player as well and a leader for a squad full of youngsters.

Unsurprisingly, Celtic have been linked with a long list of goalkeepers over the past few months. While the fans would be delighted with some of those names, a few others arriving would be viewed as a disappointment.

Amidst all this, a highly-rated English goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Celtic. It is none other than Anthony Patterson.

The 23-year-old is the first-choice goalkeeper for Sunderland and has been impressing in the English Championship. It is believed that it would take a transfer fee in the range of £10 million to £20 million to sign him in the summer. Patterson has also been linked with Premier League giants like Arsenal and Liverpool.

£10m Arsenal and Liverpool target tipped to join Celtic

As reported by Football League World, Carlton Palmer said regarding the situation and future of Patterson:

"So many of the Sunderland young players are linked with moves away from the football club. Obviously, it's been a disappointing season. They were hoping to be in the play-offs this season, but it has not materialised. One name that has been mentioned quite a lot last summer and at Christmas is their goalkeeper, Anthony Patterson, who has been a consistent performer for the club.

“Celtic are a massive club, a huge club, a very good manager in Brendan Rodgers, European football. Of course, that would be something that you would not be able to turn down. Celtic would have to part with the best part of £15-20 million for Anthony Patterson, and I could see him leaving Sunderland to play in the Scottish Premiership, and then, if he is still young enough, he can come back to the Premier League.

“If he is available, I think there will be a few clubs in the Premier League who will be looking to take him on a permanent basis. A very, very talented goalkeeper."

Considering the level of clubs believed to be interested in Patterson, it will not be simple getting a deal done for the goalkeeper. Celtic would most probably have to break their transfer record, which stands at £9 million, the figure they shelled out to sign Odsonne Edouard.

Celtic have been in need of a long-term solution at goalkeeper for years. Could Patterson prove to be the answer? Time shall tell. For now, let's make sure Hart finishes his storied career with two more pieces of silverware.