- Rangers are assessing alternative goalkeeper targets as competition for Pierce Charles intensifies.
- Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson has emerged as an option after Rangers explored a potential deal.
- An £8million asking price is likely to prove a major stumbling block for the Ibrox club.
Rangers may be forced to broaden their search for a new goalkeeper this summer as growing interest in Pierce Charles threatens to complicate any move for the highly rated Sheffield Wednesday prospect.
The Northern Ireland international has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox in recent weeks amid uncertainty surrounding Jack Butland‘s long-term future.
Charles, 20, is regarded as one of the most promising young goalkeepers outside the Premier League. He has attracted admirers through his performances for both club and country.
However, Rangers are unlikely to have a clear run at the player.
Reports in England suggest Premier League clubs are monitoring Charles’ development closely, while Sheffield Wednesday remain keen to secure him on an improved contract. The involvement of multiple suitors could increase both the transfer fee and wage demands associated with any deal.
That prospect appears to have prompted Rangers to examine alternative options.
Anthony Patterson available for transfer
According to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson is among the names considered by the club as they evaluate the market ahead of the new campaign.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the more consistent goalkeepers in the English Football League in recent seasons but now finds himself available for transfer.
Patterson was the Black Cats’ number one as they earned promotion back to the English top flight last season. However, he found himself relegated to backup at the Stadium of Light.
He spent the second half of this campaign as Millwall, helping them reach the playoffs.
Anthony Patterson valuation
Downie reports that Sunderland are prepared to listen to offers in excess of £8 million for Patterson this summer. Rangers are understood to have explored the possibility of a deal. Although the valuation is likely to prove a significant obstacle.
While Patterson arrives with considerably more first-team experience than Charles, Rangers are expected to remain disciplined in the market under the club’s new recruitment structure.
An £8m outlay on a goalkeeper would represent a substantial investment, particularly with reinforcements required across multiple areas of the squad.
Pierce Charles remains Ibrox first choice
The contrast between the two targets is notable. Charles is viewed as a developmental signing with significant resale potential and strengths in possession that align with modern tactical demands. Patterson, meanwhile, would offer immediate experience and reliability but at a considerably higher cost.
Rangers’ interest in Charles was driven partly by his comfort in possession and ability to initiate attacks from deep, qualities that have become increasingly important in elite football.
The young goalkeeper’s distribution has drawn praise throughout his emergence at Sheffield Wednesday. He also remains one of the principal reasons he has attracted attention from clubs higher up the English pyramid.
Butland, the current Ibrox number one, has struggled with these demands and is uncomfortable in possession.
That was shown clearly with his error in Danny Rohl’s final game of the season. Where he miscontrolled a back pass which allowed Falkirk to score.
Read Rangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
With Premier League interest now entering the equation, Rangers may face a difficult balancing act.
Whether they choose to persist with their pursuit of Charles or accelerate discussions regarding alternative targets.
Targets such as Patterson could become one of the defining elements of their summer recruitment strategy.
As the transfer window gathers momentum. The search for a new number one appears set to remain a key storyline at Ibrox.
