Roland Cutinho
Man United set to allow Nathan Bishop to pursue a permanent move to the Championship club
Manchester United’s goalkeeping situation this summer appears to be constantly changing, with both senior players and youth team prospects potentially involved in transfer moves.
After signing Inter Milan star Andre Onana, the club is busy dealing with the outgoings, and the first name has already appeared in the charts.
According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland have now agreed a deal to sign United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop this summer. The youngster is expected to join them after the US preseason tour ends.
The Championship club currently have Anthony Patterson as their established first-choice goalkeeper. However, their backup situation is not so convincing.
Alex Bass, who arrived at the club from Portsmouth last year, has been linked with a potential loan move to Leyton Orient. If this move materialises, it would leave The Black Cats without a suitable backup option in the goalkeeping position.
Sunderland have considered turning to Bishop to address their backup issues. The 23-year-old has a previous connection with the club, as he kept a clean sheet at The Stadium of Light in 2021-22 in the FA Cup while playing for Mansfield on loan.
As a highly-regarded prospect since his breakthrough at Southend, Bishop continues to lure budding clubs. But he has not made a senior appearance for Man United yet.
The English star is a strong candidate to be sold this summer since the Red Devils triggered an option in his contract, extending it until 2024.
This move is likely a negotiating tactic, as an expiring contract would have meant losing the chance to receive a fee for a player who has garnered interest from multiple clubs.
Given the changes made in the goalkeeping department at Old Trafford, it appears unlikely that Bishop will have a spot in the revamped setup. He may still get a chance to feature against Wrexham on Wednesday.
Onana‘s recent transfer and the recent Zion Suzuki links indicate that he will have limited options for the club.
During the previous season, Bishop was part of the trio of first-team goalkeepers at Man United. However, with Dean Henderson departing on loan and Jack Butland’s arrival, Bishop was pushed down to fourth choice.
Sunderland views Bishop as a young prospect who can develop alongside first-choice keeper Patterson while also potentially challenging him for the first-choice goalkeeper position in the future.
The youngster has gained senior experience during his career with Southend and Mansfield. The Championship side could get their hands on a young player who is eager to make a mark in the second tier.
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This scenario may sound familiar to them, as they have previously experienced success with similar signings.
United winger Amad Diallo was a hit at Sunderland, and who knows, even Bishop could follow the same path at the Stadium of Lights.
