Sunderland look likely to lose Jack Clarke either in January or the summer, which has got us thinking, about who could replace him.
Jack Clarke has been absolutely demolishing the Championship for Sunderland this season. Nine goals and one assist in 15 games see him one of the league’s best players, winning September’s Player of the Month confirmed this.
Already matching his previous best goal league tally in a Sunderland shirt, Clarke was bound to draw attention from the Premier League big boys. This is despite Sunderland being desperate to tie him down to a new deal.
Brentford are one Premier League club who have been linked with a move for the talented 22-year-old winger. Sunderland are expected to demand a heavy fee if they are to let their prized asset go.
However, the list is believed to be as many as five clubs who are keen on Clarke. But who can Sunderland replace him with? Here are three options we see as possible.
Morgan Whittaker – Plymouth
Option number one for Tony Mowbray could see a swoop made for Plymouth’s high-flying forward, Morgan Whittaker. Whittaker has just joined Plymouth but has exploded this season with seven goals and three assists in his first 15 league games for his new side.
Can play on either wing and also in the number 10 position, Whittaker could offer Sunderland a Clarke replacement and more. At just 22 years old he also has scope to improve further, a very Mowbray-esque signing.
Whittaker would probably set the Black Cats back around £5 million taking into account he has just joined Plymouth.
Jonathan Rowe – Norwich
The second name on the list is another who is ripping the Championship up and could be in line for a move to a stronger side. Jonathan Rowe has seen his name linked to Aston Villa recently, but we expect he may look for assurances of game-time which Sunderland could give him.
Seven goals and an assist this season already show how deadly he can be, and with Norwich sitting down in 17th a move to a side who are in a playoff race would make sense.
Like with Whittaker, Sunderland would need to pay a premium if the deal was targeted for January, so around £5 million would be a fair deal.
Shola Shoretire – Man Utd
An option that is far different from the other two and more of a long-term project, Shola Shoretire. The Manchester United youngster is stagnating at Old Trafford with too many top players ahead of him.
Despite that, he is an excellent prospect and under the right guidance, he could be really impressive. Four goals and three assists in just seven PL 2 games this season show that he is ready for senior football.
According to Capolgy, his contract expires in June 2024, which means he could be a bargain in January for Sunderland.