Speakman plotting SAFC swoop for "unbelievable" £22k-p/w colossus, Neil would love him - opinion

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their interest in signing Daniel Iversen from Leicester in the summer transfer window…

According to The Sun, the Black Cats are keen on the shot-stopper as Kristjaan Speakman plots to bring in a new goalkeeper for the club.

The report claims that Middlesbrough and Preston North End are also in the race for his signature ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Sunderland boss would love to have him at the Stadium of Light next season as he already knows exactly how good the Dane is, having worked with him at his previous club.

Upon signing Iversen for Preston in 2021, Neil said: “We know what we are getting; young, enthusiastic, played at a good level, played international football for his country, so I think he will be a great addition.”

The Scot was seemingly confident that he had landed an excellent goalkeeper and he was proven correct as the shot-stopper enjoyed an excellent second half to the 2020/21 season.

In 23 Championship appearances, he averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.95 as he kept nine clean sheets and saved 71% of the shots against him.

He then returned to Deepdale for a second spell in the 2021/22 campaign – after Neil left – and caught the eye between the sticks. The 24-year-old averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.93 as he played in all 46 league matches – keeping 13 clean sheets.

These statistics show that the £22k-per-week colossus – who stands at 6 foot 4 – is a proven Championship performer, with Preston reporter George Hodgson dubbing him “unbelievable“. He will, therefore, add much-needed second-tier experience to the goalkeeping ranks.

Current number one Anthony Patterson has never played at a higher level than League One and only has 23 professional league