Michael Beale discussed Ian Harte’s statements on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast, in which the agent stated Jack Clarke would “probably” and “hopefully” depart the club this summer.
ONGOING SAGA
“That was the first time I had heard that. Listen, agents have a job to do, and one of them represents Jack. It’s critical that he represents Jack accurately, and I’m sure Jack believes he does. Jack has already stated that he is really happy here only last week, therefore I believe this will be a continuous tale till the summer.”
DEAL HAS TO BE RIGHT
“At this moment, the window is open, Jack is here, he’s our player, and he appears glad to me. Let’s just focus on it. Someone has to pay the money, and it must be the appropriate club for Jack. At the moment, this is the ideal club for Jack. He’s a wonderful footballer who enjoys playing football, so I don’t need to say anything to Jack – whatever he wants to achieve, ideally here, he must perform well.”
WIN-WIN
“So I’m in a win-win situation; the boy needs to perform well. He’s doing well, he enjoys playing for our club, and we do a lot to let Jack be himself in terms of our style and defensive allowances so that he can be a matchwinner. He’s been fantastic, and any outside noise is nothing new; he’s had it since he was about 17. He’s still young, but he’s gained a lot of experience, including a huge move and a couple of loans that didn’t go so well. He has found a place in football, therefore I would say he is pretty satisfied. Nothing can happen between now and the summer, and I’m confident the noise will become louder.”
IAN HARTE SAID…
“There were a handful of bids from Lazio, but Sunderland did not want to trade the player during the January transfer window. The guy must simply focus on what he is doing right now, which is [playing] wonderfully well, scoring goals and assisting. But hopefully, Jack will move this summer. We don’t know where it is yet, but he’s doing well. Sunderland are a good football team. It’s a young group of players led by a new manager, and it’s fascinating to watch. I think it will be difficult to make the playoffs, but we’ll have to wait and see what they can do.”
BURNLEY WANTED HIM
“Last summer Burnley came in and bid to Sunderland to try and take Jack. Sunderland rejected the offer because they felt the valuation was insufficient. So, yeah, I think to players, obviously, as an ex-player like myself, you just have to go out there and do what you’re paid to do, and perform for the team, as Jack has done. He has 14 goals this season and four assists. It’s wonderful when major Italian teams come in and look at a guy like Jack, but the reality is that you have to go out and do it week after week at Sunderland, and hopefully he will continue to do so.”
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