According to reports, Sunderland are ‘struggling’ to tie down Jack Clarke to a new contract.
Sunderland are’struggling’ to tie down Jack Clarke to a new contract, according to Alan Nixon.
The 22-year-old former Leeds United and Tottenham striker has nine goals this season in the Championship and is attracting interest from Premier League side Brentford.
Nixon adds that Thomas Frank’s side is on’red alert,’ with Sunderland still unable to reach an agreement with Clarke.
Sunderland is also said to be offering Clarke a raise, but with a large sell-on clause included in any deal.
Burnley are thought to have made several bids for Clarke last summer, but Sunderland turned them down. During a recent interview with Sky Sports, the player, however, appeared to be focused on playing at the Stadium of Light.
“I’ve lost twice now in the play-off semi-finals, and you can only try and use that experience to your advantage, or it will eat away at you,” Clarke was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. “It could be our springboard to becoming an even better team in this league this season.”
“Hopefully we can get into the play-offs or higher and go one better this year, and finish on a real high.”
Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray recently stated that despite multiple bids from Burnley, Clarke never pushed for a move away from Sunderland this summer, and the two have a good relationship.
“I love playing for the gaffer,” Clarke says. “He’s been fantastic with me and the other boys.” He allows you to express yourself as a young attacking player, which is all I want to do.
“I believe he identified our squad’s strengths. We spent a lot of time focusing on what we are good at and what will help us in certain games. “Putting the ball in the right spots and doing the right things at the right time.”Every week, I go out there and do my best. Things come off sometimes, and sometimes they don’t. To experiment and have fun while playing football. He provides you with that platform.”
Sunderland play Birmingham City in the Championship this weekend at the Stadium of Light, following a goalless draw with Swansea City last Saturday.
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