Wolverhampton Wanderers have identified Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a major summer transfer target, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Wolves eyeing a new goalkeeper

Wolves were linked with a move for Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini in the January transfer window, with it being detailed that Jose Sa is not considered 'immovable' in Julen Lopetegui's starting XI.

The Old Gold instead signed Dan Bentley to provide competition for their Portuguese shot-stopper, but he is 29 and very unlikely to be a long-term replacement for Sa, so bringing in a new 'keeper is still believed to be on the agenda at Molineux.

The Latest: Patterson targeted by Wolves

According to The Sun, Wolves have picked out Patterson a major transfer target this summer, with Lopetegui reportedly seeing him as the ideal choice to come in and compete for a place in the team before eventually taking over from Sa.

It is claimed that Sunderland may look to cash in on their academy graduate if they do not win promotion from the Championship this season, and the Black Cats could command a fee in the region of £10m.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as 'outstanding' by journalist Josh Bunting, the 22-year-old has been very solid for Sunderland in their first season back in the second tier, keeping eight clean sheets, while he has also proven himself against Premier League opposition.

In the Black Cats' recent 1-1 draw at Fulham in the FA Cup, the youngster was ranked by Sofascore as by far the best player on the pitch, achieving a 8.8 match rating after making a sensational eight saves from inside the penalty box.

The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley claimed at the start of January that Sa has been 'back to something like his best' since the World Cup, and he impressed in the 3-0 win against Liverpool at the weekend, making two important saves.

As such, it is unclear whether Wolves will actually need a new goalkeeper in the summer, given that their current first choice is still only 30. However, if Sa's performances decline in the second half of the season, Patterson would be a fantastic long-term heir.