Sources: Jack Clarke makes Sunderland transfer decision as West Ham swoop
Sunderland star man Jack Clarke hopes the club will not stand in the way of a summer exit, sources have told Football Insider.
The 23-year-old will have two years remaining on his Black Cats contract in June and is attracting interest after a stellar 2023-24 campaign so far.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (21 February) that Sunderland have resigned themselves to losing Clarke in the summer transfer window.
However, it is believed the Wearside club are set to hold out for a fee of around £20million for the Championship star.
Clarke keen to quit Sunderland – West Ham, Crystal Palace and Southampton all keen
Sources say Sunderland’s only hope of keeping hold of their top talent is securing promotion to the Premier League.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Clarke is hoping Sunderland’s demands don’t block a potential transfer return to the top tier – or even a first foray into European football.
The winger was the subject of a reported £14million bid from Serie A side Lazio in January – but Sunderland chose to keep him at the Stadium of Light.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (19 February) that West Ham are keeping close tabs on the ex-Tottenham star.
It is believed that the 23-year-old is also on the radar of Crystal Palace and Southampton.
The race for Clarke’s signature is heating up following his form in the 2023-24 campaign so far.
He has hit 15 goals and added four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this term.
The former England Under-20 star left Tottenham for Sunderland on an initial loan in January 2022 after failing to make an impact with Spurs.
In other news, Championship side line up flurry of big-money summer deals.
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