Sunderland have been given a glimmer of optimism for Jack Clarke’s future.
Sunderland has some significant talents on their roster, arguably none more so than Clarke.
The 23-year-old has excelled since the Black Cats’ return to the Championship, scoring 15 goals and assisting four times this season.
It comes after a failed Premier League move with Spurs and several uneventful loan periods, but Clarke has finally found his footing at Sunderland.
Burnley and Lazio wanted to sign Jack Clarke at Sunderland
Clarke clearly has a lot of curiosity.
Burnley attempted but failed to recruit Clarke last summer, and Italian heavyweights Lazio expressed interest in the former Leeds United player in January.
In a recent interview with The Northern Echo, Clarke’s agent Ian Harte stated that Lazio offered close to £20 million (with add-ons) for Clarke, which Sunderland believed was insufficient for the winger.
Clarke is under contract until 2026, therefore Sunderland are not under immediate pressure to sell, albeit a sale this summer has always appeared to be the most likely scenario.
Jack Clarke could make Sunderland U-turn
Clarke has no reservations about staying with Sunderland, who have recently turned off approaches from Burnley and Lazio.
But Harte has been pretty upfront about his client’s future, previously stating that he hopes Clarke makes his big transfer this summer.
However, Harte told The Northern Echo that Clarke may yet continue at the Stadium of Light.
He also said that Clarke was willing to sign a new contract with the Black Cats earlier this season, but the negotiations fell through.
Harte said:
“Maybe in the summer, those [prior contract talks] will alter; we’ll have to see. There is always a chance. I would never close any doors.
“Jack loves it at Sunderland Football Club so we’ll just have to wait and see what the next couple of months bring.”
Sunderland would do very well to keep Clarke
Clarke may enjoy playing for the club, but it seems unlikely he will stay.
He now has the footballing world at his feet following another breakout season in the Championship, and with Sunderland without a permanent manager and plunging down the league, Clarke’s development will undoubtedly be better served elsewhere.
Kristjaan Speakman and owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus may well be eager to finally cash in on Clarke.
Not only do they need to hire a manager and possibly pay him out of an existing contract, but they will also need to back up their new manager in the transfer window with this current crop of players that are underperforming.
Not to mention the need to replace Clarke’s goals, as his recent absence from the club has highlighted the team’s severe lack of star quality and goals.
Regardless of Harte’s words, a summer exit remains likely. However, if no one makes a suitable bid, Clarke may remain on Wearside for a little longer.
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