- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Sheffield United are now targeting Sunderland winger Jack Clarke alongside a move for Villarreal forward Ben Brereton-Diaz.
HITC Football understands that Sheffield United and Burnley are both battling to land Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
Sunderland are looking for a deal close to £20million but both United and Burnley think a deal nearer £15million will get him.
Sunderland owe Tottenham a sizeable sell-on we understand worth over 30% of the fee and as such are open to taking players in a deal.
United are backing manager Chris Wilder and we believe talks are advancing with Ben Brereton Diaz over a loan move from Villarreal.
Wilder also wants a new goalkeeper and we are told that as well as looking at bringing Kasper Schmeichel back to England, they are also interested in Keylor Navas – who Nottingham Forest are looking at bringing to the City Ground this month.
Jack Clarke wanted by Burnley and Sheffield United
Clarke showed big potential in his Leeds United days having emerged into the first-team picture under Marcelo Bielsa.
Tottenham pounced for an initial £8.5million but Clarke only ever made four senior appearances for Spurs.
Loans to Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City didn’t help Clarke get back on track but a 2022 loan move to Sunderland has been a career-changing switch.
Now 23, Clarke is one of the Championship’s top performers with 12 goals in 26 outings this season.
An electric wide man with outstanding dribbling ability, Clarke could provide a bit of magic for Sheffield United.
The Blades will face a battle with Burnley though as the two promoted sides look to make a big signing and push towards survival.
Clarke’s last Premier League chance didn’t go to plan but the time may be right for a return to the top flight this month.
Ben Brereton Diaz nearing return to England with Sheffield United
Clarke could be part of an attacking double-signing for Sheffield United with Villarreal forward Ben Brereton Diaz a top target.
The Chile international became a goalscoring sensation for Blackburn Rovers and attracted major interest as his contract expired last summer.
Villarreal pounced but Brereton Diaz has only started two La Liga games and is goalless in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 24-year-old may now make a fairly swift return to English football with Sheffield United making progress on a deal.
Brereton Diaz’s move to Spain hasn’t worked out but he could now provide an attacking boost for the Blades as they battle against the drop.
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