West Ham eye Jack Clarke move as new Sunderland valuation revealed – Sources
West Ham United are keeping close tabs on Sunderland star Jack Clarke, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that the forward is also on the radar of Crystal Palace and Southampton after his exceptional campaign in the Championship this season.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that the Saints will only make a move for Clarke if they earn promotion back to the Premier League, but the Hammers are monitoring his situation at the Stadium of Light closely.
Sunderland will demand a fee of around £20million to sell the 23-year-old after rejecting a £15million bid from David Moyes’ side in the January transfer window.
West Ham close in on Sunderland sensation Jack Clarke
The former Leeds United man was also eyed up by Serie A side Lazio in January, but Michael Beale’s side kept hold of the attacker, who is contracted until 2026.
Clarke has been a standout for the Black Cats this season having bagged 15 goals and four assists across 33 appearances.
He scored in Sunderland’s last game – their 2-1 defeat against Birmingham City on Saturday (17 February).
The Hammers have often recruited the second tier’s hottest prospects, including Jarrod Bowen from Hull City in January 2020 and Said Benrahma from Brentford in 2021.
Clarke moved to Sunderland from Tottenham in 2022 following a six-month loan move for a reported fee of £10million and has scored 27 goals and provided 22 assists across 105 outings in all competitions.
West Ham sit eighth in the Premier League after their 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon (17 February).
They are next in action against Brentford at home next week (26 February).
In other news, West Ham plotting to appoint ‘next Unai Emery’ as board draw up shortlist – Sources.
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