A major update has emerged on Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter, it could affect Sunderland's pursuit of the shot-stopper.
What's the talk?
Senior BBC Sport journalist Matt Dean has reported that newly-promoted Championship side Hull are keen on a deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter on loan.
Earlier this month, Football Insider claimed that Sunderland have set their sights on Baxter. Lee Johnson wants a new shot-stopper to come in and challenge Lee Burge next term and has identified Baxter as a target, with Sunderland willing to bring him in on loan or on a permanent deal.
Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman claimed he was given “glowing reports” on Baxter upon his arrival at the club on loan in 2020. He told Accrington's official website:
"It's now a big test for him, he's had a couple of loan spells in the past but this is probably going to be the highest level he's played at in England.
"I know they've got high hopes for him at Chelsea but having seen him play I've got high hopes for him, and everyone I've spoke to who's managed him has come back with glowing reports."
Fans will be gutted
Sunderland fans will be gutted with this news as it could lead to them missing out on a swoop for Baxter. Hull were crowned champions of League One earlier this year and will be playing Championship football next season, which could hand them a significant advantage in the race to land Baxter. Not only can they offer Baxter a higher standard of football, but Hull will also be riding the crest of a wave after their title success and that could be an attractive dressing room to come into.
This means that Hull's interest in Baxter could lead to Sunderland failing in their pursuit of the 22-year-old. Hull, on paper at least, appear to be the best option for the young goalkeeper and Sunderland fans would not be able to blame him for wanting to play in the Championship over League One - as that is the league they are aspiring to get to at the end of next season. Therefore, this update could be a huge blow to Sunderland and it could cause the club to desperately go in search of alternative targets to come in and challenge Burge.
The £3k-per-week ace proved his quality at League One level during his loan spell with Accrington in the 2020/21 campaign. He broke into Coleman's steam and kept seven clean sheets in 16 appearances, conceding only 14 goals in the division.
In the 2018/19 season, Baxter kept 11 clean sheets in 38 games for Yeovil and then played 13 times in the Scottish Premiership for Ross County the following year. This shows that he is an experienced and quality goalkeeper despite his young age and that is why Sunderland fans will be gutted if Hull are able to snatch him ahead of them.
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