Fraser Forster finished at Tottenham as transfer news drops early on Sunday
Fraser Forster’s spell between the sticks could be over as Tottenham Hotspur line up a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Alan Nixon reported via his Patreon on 29 December that amid interest from Premier League strugglers Wolves, Patterson is an “option” for Spurs, having kept seven clean sheets for Sunderland this season.
Forster hasn’t been anything like as solid since stepping in for the injured Guglielmo Vicario in November, with high-profile errors in the EFL Cup against Manchester United leaving Ange Postecoglou in disbelief.
However, the Australian’s problems at the back in Vicario’s absence could be solved, at least temporarily, by the signing of Patterson, opening the door for Forster to take his leave and quietly exit North London.
Fraser Forster experiment has been a disaster at Tottenham
While many clubs in the Premier League – even those with European ambitions – have an aging, often English goalkeeper on their books for experience, few are ever forced to play them week-in, week-out.
That’s been the case for the Lilywhites in recent weeks though, with only academy products Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman as alternatives to Forster since Vicario’s ankle injury and subsequent surgery.
Forster’s contract in North London expires next summer, and following some of his haphazard displays between the sticks of late, you’d be surpised to see Postecoglou want to extend the 36-year-old’s deal.
In fact, the potential arrival of Patterson, 24, next month could facilitate a path for Forster to exit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium six months ahead of schedule – though suitors will hardly be lining up.
Sending Forster to the Stadium of Light as a makeweight to get Patterson’s transfer over the line could be an option, and sending the veteran back up to the North East may be the best move for all parties.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou will hope one of his returning stars improves after his display against Nottingham Forest.
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