SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Sunderland coach Mike Dodds during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion at The Stadium of Light on December 09, 2023 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland’s Jack Clarke is on Leeds United’s transfer radar, but he is unlikely to make the switch back to West Yorkshire – owing to Premier League interest in the diminutive playmaker.
That’s according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, who state that a top flight switch is more likely for the 23-year-old winger with less than two weeks to go of the transfer window, despite Leeds holding interest in their academy graduate to replace new West Ham signing Crysencio Summerville.
The Black Cats have Clarke to thank for plenty of their recent success, with the player developing rapidly at the Stadium of Light over the last couple of years, and becoming one of the best attacking players in the second tier.
Sunderland’s main man is a force of nature at times, with his fast dribbling, ball-carrying, and decisiveness in big moments making him a threat when attacking the box in the half-spaces, which is why he has caught the eye of so many in the league above the second tier.
Sunderland are somewhat at the mercy of Premier League sharks. According to Football Insider, the Black Cats believe it will be extremely difficult to hold onto the 23-year-old beyond the current campaign, with a contract that expires in 2026.
The Sunderland star is attracting interest from several top-flight clubs, including West Ham and Brentford.
The Northern Echo revealed that Clarke had emerged as a ‘key target’ for Southampton. Ipswich are said to be keen on the fleet-footed attacker as well and have previously been said to be plotting an £18 million offer, as per iNews.
Players such as Clarke were always likely to be near-certain to depart the club this summer, amid ongoing links to the likes of Crystal Palace and Wolves, which have seemingly been going on forever.
Not only has interest been vast, but Clarke’s agent Ian Harte believes it’s unlikely that the player will put pen to paper on fresh terms, which could force the Wearside club’s hand this summer.
About The Author
