Liverpool also shortlisted Patterson ahead of a possible exit for Republic of Ireland ace Caoimhin Kelleher, but that would be as cover again. Sunderland price Patterson at around £20million but may take less. They will not want to lose him this season as they chase promotion, so a summer switch could be more likely.

Liverpool have identified Sunderland's Anthony Patterson as a potential replacement for Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher.