Tony Mowbray is hopeful that Sunderland can keep hold of Jack Clarke in January.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, the Sunderland boss tipped the forward to keep up his excellent form.
After a brilliant 2022/23 campaign, Jack Clarke has taken things up a gear this time round after already matching his tally of nine goals.
The winger was already the subject of multiple bids from Burnley in the summer, but his current form has seen him further attract interest from the likes of Brighton, Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Rumours have been circulating that interested parties could up their offers to match Sunderland’s valuation, though it is thought that the Black Cats are instead eager to tie Clarke down to a new deal.
The 22-year-old’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2026, however Sunderland are hopeful of offering him fresh terms in a bid to keep him on Wearside beyond this season.
Tony Mowbray has heaped praise on the attacker and has told the club to do ‘everything they can’ to keep him in Sunderland.
“If we can keep playing like we are at the moment – really positive and on the front foot, having a lot of attacking moments in games – I think Jack will keep scoring,” said Mowbray.
“What you’d also say about him is that he is absolutely devastating when we’re having to defend and he can break away, because he has a huge aerobic capacity to keep running.
“He was playing wing back before I got here because he can run all day and he can run fast all day, which is a huge attribute for any footballer. I don’t see him falling away, I think he’ll keep scoring and hurting teams.
“He is mixing his game up a lot more these days, going down the outside as well as cutting in, and cutting the ball back on his left foot. He has to stay positive, I hope he’s enjoying his football and hopefully the club does everything they can to keep him here and have a successful season.”
Can Sunderland actually keep hold of Clarke?
Even if Jack Clarke does sign a new deal before January, that doesn’t necessarily mean he will stay next summer.
In fact, I would be extremely surprised to see him stay in Sunderland if we don’t win promotion this season.
Clarke is simply too good for the Championship and, while it would be heartbreaking, I think most supporters would accept his desire to play in the top flight sooner rather than later.
Keeping him in January is a must though, as we certainly wouldn’t be able to replace his goal record half way through the campaign.