Jonson Clarke-Harris: Phillips issues ‘100 per cent’ Sunderland claim after chairman’s reveal
Sunderland were right not to sign Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris in the January transfer window, according to Kevin Phillips.
The Stadium of Light legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Jermain Defoe provided better value for money than the 27-year-old.
On Twitter (13 February), Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony confirmed ex-Sunderland boss Lee Johnson was interested in signing Clarke-Harris last month.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook (12 January), the Championship side wanted upwards of £6million for last season’s League One top scorer.
Clarke-Harris’ contract at London Road runs until the summer of 2024.
When asked by Football Insider is the Black Cats missed a trick by not signing the centre-forward, Phillips said: “They made the right decision.
“Only time will tell if Jermain Defoe was good business. I think it will be. Hopefully he will get some important goals along the way.
“For the sort of money they were talking, I think Sunderland were wise not to go there with Clarke-Harris.
“It’s a sensible move given all of the uncertainty behind the scenes as well. If you are spending big money like that you want to be 100 per cent sure that it’s the right player for the club in the long term.”
Sunderland added a centre-forward to their ranks in January in the form of fan favourite Jermain Defoe.
The ex-Rangers striker is yet to score in three League One appearances since joining.
In other news, Phillips has detailed ‘the only way for Sunderland to move forward’ after a shock Kyril Louis-Dreyfus ownership revelation.