Sunderland Set For Huge Transfer Battle

Sunderland are set for a huge transfer battle this month with up to six Premier League clubs considering launching a bid for Jack Clarke, according to the Northern Echo.

West Ham United was reportedly considering making an offer for the winger as interest in him started to pick up yesterday. The Black Cats are in a frantic attempt to hold onto the 23-year-old as they aim to qualify for the Championship play-offs for the second straight year.

After dropping to ninth place in the standings, the Wearside team decided to fire manager Tony Mowbray at the start of the month. They are back in the top six, despite the division being very close, thanks to Michael Beale’s arrival.

Maintaining a player of Clarke’s caliber will be essential to their pursuit for promotion, but with the quantity of teams vying for him, they may face competition.

It is claimed that Bournemouth, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to join the Hammers in the race for his signature. However, the Evening Standard adds further names to the ever-growing list by stating Brentford are also in the hunt, as well as Championship duo Leicester City and Southampton.

Both are looking for an immediate return to the Premier League, with the Foxes currently sitting 10 points clear at the top of the league. With Ipswich Town faltering in recent weeks, Southampton have closed the gap on the automatic promotion places to just three points and are looking good value to replace the Tractor Boys in second.

Clarke has been Sunderland’s standout performer so far this season, bagging a career-high 12 goals. He is currently under contract until 2026 having signed from Tottenham Hotspur in 2022 following a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light.

Previous reports from last year claim that Spurs could be due up to 50% of any potential future sale, making the decision to reject Burnley’s advances last summer understandable. The Clarets saw three bids rejected which eventually totalled up to £10 million plus add-ons.

According to reports, Clarke is content with his life in the Northeast and will not become upset about the circumstances. It appears like a move to the top division is imminent, and Sunderland may have a fierce battle to hang onto him this month.

All that is needed for this scenario to happen is for one interested party to raise their hand. After that, it’s possible that other clubs will follow suit and make table offers. On February 1st, Michael Beale plans to cross that date off his calendar in the hopes that Clarke will still be at the Stadium of Light.

FOR MORE CONTENT FROM SPORTEP.CO.UK