West Ham United are among several Premier League clubs in the race to sign Sunderland forward Jack Clarke this summer, according to the Sunday Express.
On page 5 of the publication’s sport pull-out on 2 June, Darren Witcoop reported that the Hammers along with Bournemouth and Southampton are keen to offer Clarke another shot at the top flight.
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Hammers technical director Tim Steidten is well underway in his mission to recruit players for head coach Julen Lopetegui, and it’s believed £15million will be enough to force Sunderland’s hand in offloading the 23-year-old.
The report claims: “Sunderland won’t stand in Clarke’s way with top-flight suitors West Ham, Bournemouth and newly promoted Southampton all eyeing the £15m-rated star.
“The managerless club are now resigned to losing Clarke, despite the winger still having two years left on his contract.
“Clarke wants to play again in the top flight and prove his doubters wrong on the back of a miserable three-year stay at Tottenham.”
West Ham interested in Jack Clarke as Sunderland exit looms
Having kept hold of Clarke throughout last season, beating off four bids from Burnley [Sunderland Echo], Sunderland face an uphill task if they want to keep the former Spurs and Leeds United man for another year.The exciting left-winger has captured the hearts of fans on Wearside as the team’s clear star man during a turbulent campaign which culminated in a 16th-place finish in the Championship, and Clarke will now feel he is ready to give the Premier League another crack.
Clarke scored 15 goals and claimed four assists in the league in 2023-24, sparking debate over whether a top-flight return would benefit his career – agent Ian Harte has unsurprisingly been quick to suggest it would.
After a disappointing time at Tottenham which didn’t fruit a single Premier League appearance, the winger will be cautious on his next steps, and the Hammers would need to prove they are the best option for his future.
In other West Ham news, the club are chasing a Championship goalkeeper but face competition.
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