EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland targeting Man Utd goalkeeper

With Alex Bass linked with a move to Leyton Orient, Sunderland are looking to Manchester United to add some goalkeeping depth.

Sunderland have made Manchester United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop a top target should Alex Bass move on this summer, Sunderland Nation understands.

Bass, who has only been at Sunderland for a year, has been linked with a loan move to Leyton Orient after failing to challenge Anthony Patterson for a spot in the Sunderland team.

That has left the Black Cats exploring their options, and Bishop has emerged as a target. The 23-year-old had a fine loan spell at Mansfield in the 2021/22 season and kept a clean sheet at the Stadium of Light in the FA Cup.

Man Utd decided to keep him within their squad last season, and he was on the bench for the Red Devils four times in the Premier League, although he is yet to make a senior appearance for the club.

However, despite Man Utd activating a one-year extension to his deal this summer, there is an acceptance at Old Trafford that his future lies elsewhere.

From Sunderland’s point of view, they would like a young goalkeeper who could develop alongside Patterson rather than an experienced number two, who would simply be keeping the bench warm in case of injury.

Mansfield were interested in re-signing Bishop this summer, but last month boss Nigel Clough admitted the Man Utd man was out of their reach before subsequently signing Christy Pym instead.

"We are still in talks for Christy Pym and I think that's progressing," Clough told The Chad on June 3. "He is our number one choice.

"Having worked with him last season it is one less change. He's one the players know and everyone trusts. But we do have two or three other names on the list.

"There are one or two other younger ones on the list at the moment, but it won't be Nathan Bishop again. He will be playing in a higher division."

Bishop started his career at Southend before joining Man Utd. He is also an England under-20 international. 

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