Chris Wilder responds to Sheffield United Anthony Patterson transfer link with £8m deal mooted

Chris Wilder was tight-lipped about reports linking Sheffield United with a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer after relegation from the Premier League. The Blades are seeking goalkeeping reinforcements after confirming that Wes Foderingham will leave Bramall Lane at the end of the season when his contract expires.

United have been linked with an £8m move for Patterson, who has established himself as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the second tier with his boyhood club. But he is under contract at the Stadium of Light for four more years with suggestions in the north east that it would take a big fee to tempt the Black Cats into doing business with one of their prized assets in such a strong position.

United's classy Basham gesture as legend prepares for emotional exit

Viktor Johansson, the Rotherham United goalkeeper who was another option for the Blades this summer, is set to move to United’s Championship rivals Stoke City after the Millers’ relegation to League One and speaking ahead of this wekeend’s final curtain at home to Tottenham Hotspur, Wilder was asked about the links with Patterson.

“We'll get linked with a lot of players right the way through,” the Blades boss replied. “We're actively working and putting lists together with me and the staff, and Jamie Hoyland and Mikey Allen. What I will say is that, for me, it's an exciting future for me.

“I'm more determined than ever, going back to when I was breaking into the first team or getting promoted as a player or as a manager. It's the here and now and it excites me, extremeny, to know what we can do and the players we can bring into the football club. It's a really good football club. And a club that a lot of players would really love to play for.”