Returning Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson admits top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris ‘would be sold’ if a £5 million offer was to arrive amid interest from Championship challengers Sunderland, speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph.
Everton’s decision to re-call Ellis Sims midway through an impressive loan spell on Wearside went down about as well with Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray as it did with the player himself.
Suddenly, Sunderland find themselves one centre-forward down midway through their promotion charge. Hardly an ideal situation, given Ross Stewart’s recent injury problems and the hectic nature of the Championship fixture schedule.
Ferguson believes £5 million would be enough to convince Peterborough to cash in on Clarke-Harris, though Sunderland may more prefer low-cost, potentially short-term additions such as Sam Surridge; potentially available on loan from Nottingham Forest.
Sunderland like Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris
“There is no pressure to sell anyone,” says Ferguson, back for a fourth spell in charge at the London Stadium. “I’m told we can keep every player.
“Although, at a club of this size every player will have a valuation. And if that valuation is met, they will be sold.
“If someone did bid £5 million for Jonno – and I’m not for one minute saying that someone has – he’d be sold. That’s how it will always be here. But the club are not looking to sell anyone at all.”
In 119 Peterborough games, arguably the EFL’s most consistent marksman has found the net 60 times. He has 15 already in 2022/23, though Clarke-Harris did draw a rare blank in front of Sunderland scouts during the 3-0 New Years’ Day defeat at home to Wycombe Wanderers (Sports Illustrated).
“We need reinforcements,” explains Mowbray, who has Sunderland fans dreaming of successive promotions and a long-awaited return to the Premier League (Chronicle).
“Ellis has gone back so Ross (Stewart) is our only out-and-out striker. It’s pretty unlikely we’re going to splash millions and millions on a big name. I think we need a young guy, like Ellis Simms. (A striker) who can come in and compete, know that he’s learning off Ross.
“That’s what we are looking for.”
The chances of Sunderland coming up with a £5 million offer for Clarke-Harris before the month is out, then, look slim indeed.
Sunderland are currently eighth in the Championship, but just three points off Blackburn Rovers in third. Mowbray’s side host Swansea City this weekend. In-form neighbours Middlesbrough will then travel to Wearside on January 22nd.
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