Sources: Jack Clarke planning to quit Sunderland as West Ham swoop
West Ham target Jack Clarke will likely quit Sunderland this summer if Michael Beale's side cannot secure promotion to the Premier League, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (13 January) that the Irons and Brentford are unlikely to meet the 23-year-old's valuation in the January transfer window.
However, it is believed Sunderland will need a £20million fee to part with the ex-Tottenham star this month.
Clarke, who was also wanted by Burnley last summer, has been in outstanding form for Sunderland so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
If his form continues, there is likely to be significant interest from Premier League clubs in the off-season - when it is believed a move is more probable.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Sunderland will struggle to hold on to Clarke if they are not promoted.
The England Under-20 international's goals are crucial to a potential push for promotion - which will only likely happen via the play-offs.
Clarke has hit 12 goals in the Championship this term.
The winger, who joined Sunderland on a permanent deal in 2022, is under contract at the Stadium of Light until June 2026.
He has now notched 24 goals and 20 assists in 98 games across all competitions for the club.
The York-born ace started his career at Leeds and made just four senior appearances at Tottenham after securing a Premier League move to Tottenham as an 18-year-old.
Beale's side sit sixth in the Championship table after 26 games and are targeting a second consecutive play-off participation this season.