Ipswich Town are locked in talks with Sunderland winger Jack Clarke with the Premier League newcomers hoping to fight off Burnley, Southampton and his former employers Leeds United.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
Sunderland have enjoyed an impressive start to life under new head coach Regis Le Bris, one of only three teams to boast a 100 per cent Championship record so far after hammering Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.
The potential departure of talisman Jack Clarke, however, will serve only to diminish the new-found sense of positivity on Wearside.
HITC understands that last season’s top scorer has turned down the chance to sign a new contract with The Black Cats. His current deal expires in 2026. And while that means Sunderland are not completely helpless in the situation, Clarke clearly fancies a fresh start and a new challenge.
Ipswich in Jack Clarke talks with Sunderland
The York-born 23-year-old may also feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.
He did not make a single top-flight appearance during three years as a Tottenham Hotspur player, his chances not helped by Daniel Levy replacing Mauricio Pochettino – a renowned truster of youth – with the ultimate short-termist in Jose Mourinho only months after his £9 million arrival from Leeds United.
HITC have been told that newly-promoted Ipswich Town are locked in talks, pushing hard to win the race.
As for Leeds, there is interest in Clarke at his old stomping ground too. He spent 11 years in West Yorkshire, blossoming into a first-team regular under Marcelo Bielsa and taking the second-tier by storm with his balletic ball-carrying and supreme self-confidence.
After losing both Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville to Brighton and West Ham respectfully, Leeds are in the market for forwards and they would be keen on bringing Clarke back home.
HITC understands that Daniel Farke’s side have enquired about Eredivisie duo Calvin Stengs and Carlos Forbs too. Talks have also taken place with Burnley’s Manuel Benson.
As for Clarke, there is interest from Championship title-favourites Burnley too. The Clarets sold Wilson Odobert to Tottenham in a £30 million deal last week.
West Ham have been monitoring Clarke’s situation also. As have a Southampton side who saw a bid rejected earlier in August.
Leeds United and Burnley among clubs keen
The Sunderland Echo, meanwhile, believes that Le Bris’ side will look to retain Clarke’s services until their £25 million asking price is met. If Ipswich are to win the race, Kieran McKenna’s side may have to break their transfer record and pay a fee in excess of the one that brought Omari Hutchinson back from Chelsea.
Clarke, drifting in to devastating effect from the left wing, scored a career-best 15 goals in 2022/23. He has begun the new campaign in similarly emphatic style.
“If we can play really positive like we are now and have attacking moments, then Jack is devastating.” former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray told the Mirror at the start of last term.
“He has a huge aerobic capacity to keep running. He can run fast all day. A huge attribute for any footballer. He will keep scoring and hurting teams and mixing his game up.”
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