Sunderland winger Jack Clarke has been the subject of much interest this summer, with several bids already rejected for the winger.
Sunderland kicked off their pre-season over the weekend in back-to-back wins over South Shields and Gateshead.
Following the game in which Clarke scored a brace, Tony Mowbray faced questions about the 22-year-old’s future as a Black Cat star.
Mowbray insisted that Clarke ‘loves playing’ at Sunderland and added he is in ‘no rush’ to leave, despite Burnley‘s rumoured interest.
Clarke is thought to have been the target of several bids by Vincent Kompany’s side, who won the Championship last year, securing promotion to the Premier League.
So far, Sunderland haven’t considered selling their young winger and that seems unlikely to change either as Mowbray insists he doesn’t want to leave.
Mowbray discusses Clarke’s future
Mowbray spoke with the press following his sides wins over South Shields and Gateshead, with the impressive former Spurs’ player the topic of conversation, as per Chronicle Live.
“My conversation with him – and again, I don’t get overly involved with what goes on behind the scenes, he said to me he loves playing here, he’s in no rush to leave but if that’s what pans out, he’s a footballer, if he moves he moves,” Mowbray said.
He added that the winger isn’t looking for a move or creating problems, and just wants to play football.
“He’s not stamping his feet or being petulant or creating a problem in training. He’s working hard and enjoys his football.”
Following a “extraordinary” performance at the weekend, Mowbray will be hopeful that Clarke can give Sunderland the edge they have lost in Amad Diallo.
Mowbray emphasised this by putting Clarke in the same category with Patrick Roberts and the on-loan Manchester United winger.
When you look on a football pitch that has a lot of young players on it, it’s the Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarkes that just make a difference in football matches. We need individual talent.
“When you look on a football pitch that has a lot of young players on it, it’s the Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarkes that just make a difference in football matches. We need individual talent.”
Mowbray continued, “Last year we had [on-loan Manchester United forward] Amad to help with that.”