West Ham transfer news: Jack Clarke stance revealed as contact made over £15million deal
Sunderland ace Jack Clarke is concerned about joining West Ham or another Premier League club in the capital following his wretched spell at Tottenham, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace have registered interest in the midfielder, but he is worried about a move back to a London Premier League club.
The 23-year-old is eager to prove himself in the top flight amid his excellent season with the Black Cats but is fearful of making the wrong move after his previous struggles in north London.
Having bagged 12 goals and two assists across 26 Championship outings this season, Sunderland now value Clarke at between £15-20million.
The club knocked back a bid from newly-promoted Burnley last summer, but interest remains in the prolific Englishman from the Premier League elit.
Clarke failed to establish himself at Tottenham following his initial £10million move from Leeds United in the summer of 2019.
He earned just four senior appearances with the Lilywhites and was shipped out on four loan spells, initially straight back to Leeds, and then at Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Sunderland.
His move to the Stadium of Light was made permanent after his loan spell for an undisclosed fee in 2022.
After helping them win promotion back to the second tier during his loan, Clarke notched 11 goals in 50 appearances across all competitions in 2022-23.
Now, Sunderland sit sixth in the Championship table and Clarke’s influential performances have helped put them firmly in the race for a playoff spot.
In other news, Sources: Major update on West Ham bid to sign 26-year-old.