Jack Clarke’s Sunderland Stance Emerges As Interest Intensifies

According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland winger Jack Clarke is still

content at the Stadium of Light but would like to play at a higher level.

 

The 23-year-old is now desired and Burnley, a Premier League team, made multiple bids for him last summer.

Though they were prepared for increased interest this month, the Black

Cats remained steadfast in their position that their talisman was not for sale.

This season, Clarke has put on his most productive performance to date, tallying 13 goals and dishing out three assists in

29 Championship contests. Numerous clubs have taken notice of this;

Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Ham United, and

Wolverhampton Wanderers are among those keeping an eye on the situation.

 

The team that has stood out from the rest is Lazio, an Italian powerhouse that had their first offer of £15 million turned

down last week. To acquire a winger before the transfer window closes later

this week, the Serie A team is reportedly back with a second offer.

They do have alternative options and reports emerged last night that they

were also considering an approach for Norwich City’s Jon Rowe, whilst Fabrizio

Romano revealed that Plymouth Argyle’s Morgan Whittaker is also a target.

It’s Clarke who I Biancocelesti have placed at the top of their list though, and

their improved second offer – the value of which is currently unknown – show

that they are not prepared to give up their chase just yet.

The Wearsiders do hold the upper hand though, with the Sunderland

Echo reiterating that the attacker remains happy at the club. However, he

continues to harbour ambitions of playing at a higher level.

The ex-England under-20 international is under contract until 2026, meaning

Sunderland will push for every penny they can get. They will also be factoring

in Spurs’ 25% sell-on clause which was inserted into the deal that saw the player

move to the North East on a permanent basis in 2022.

Saturday’s 3-1 win over Stoke City saw Michael Beale’s team move back up to seventh in the race to secure a play-off

place. Coventry City currently occupy that all-important sixth spot on goal

difference only, although have played a game less. Hull City sit a point further

back in eighth and also have an additional fixture to play.

Writer’s View

Jack Clarke will probably stay at Sunderland, at least for the foreseeable future. Each player has a value, and the Black Cats would undoubtedly entertain offers over £20 million. But since the winger is essential to their own chances of promotion, they are unlikely to approve a transfer this month.

 

They can be content with their position because Clarke is willing to stay for the time being, but that could change in the summer if they are unable to get promoted to the Premier League. But this is one that will continue to rage for a few more days.