Sunderland may have to consider selling their star players if they are offered big money.
That’s according to Julio Arca, who told the Sunderland Echo that his former club may have to sell if an eight-figure bid came in this summer.
Sunderland’s young players enjoyed a sensational first season back in the Championship and, as a result, some of their biggest assets have attracted interest.
Dan Ballard, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke have all been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months, with the Daily Mail reporting that the latter was the subject of a £9 million bid from Burnley last week.
While the club are eager to keep hold of their top players, Arca has encouraged them to consider parting ways with the youngsters if they need the money.
“There are some great players but you need to realise that when you have this young talent and do well big teams will come for them,” Arca said.
“This comes to the financial side, if someone comes and offers £10-15million for one of the younger players and the club needs the money you might have to sell.
“I think the club knows that and the manager knows that and I’m sure they have been working on different options just in case this happens.”
Should Sunderland sell Jack Clarke & co?
Sunderland fans were left offended by a series of ‘low’ offers from Burnley for Jack Clarke, with many valuing the winger at up to £20 million.
While it is very unlikely the Clarets will reach that price, the Black Cats would probably have to consider anything in the region of £15m.
When a club are snatching up youngsters and developing them into Premier League quality players, the Wearside outfit have to be prepared to lose some key stars along the way.
It doesn’t mean Clarke should definitely be on his way, but a mouth-watering bid would have to at least result in a conversation amongst Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman.