Sunderland are yet to push forward with their pursuit of a winger as Jack Clarke’s future remains uncertain.
It had previously looked extremely likely that Clarke would leave Sunderland, having attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Despite the likes of Southampton and Ipswich Town joining the race in recent months, the Black Cats are yet to receive any bids for the 23-year-old.
Sunderland have been linked with a number of players who could replace Clarke, but the lack of progress with their interest means they are likely to go elsewhere.
Liam Millar is in talks over a move to Hull City, while Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is a target for a number of Championship clubs.
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Sunderland change their mind on Rak-Sakyi
Sunderland have been linked with the Crystal Palace youngster since last summer, before he went onto remain at Selhurst Park.
However, Rak-Sakyi looks set to leave the club this month and has the likes of Leeds United and Sheffield United chasing his signature.
It now looks like the Black Cats have made a decision on their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi.
According to journalist Alan Nixon, the ‘wonderful’ attacker is ‘not on’ Sunderland’s shortlist anymore.
The Black Cats could end up without a Jack Clarke replacement
It seems unlikely that the Wearside outfit would have beat some of their competition to Rak-Sakyi’s signature anyway, but he would certainly have been a quality replacement for Clarke.
It would be interesting to know whether Sunderland have pulled out of the race because they consider it a possibility that they can keep hold of their prized asset instead.
However, it still seems likely that a top flight club could swoop in during the last week of the transfer window as they desperately look to sign a winger – meaning Sunderland could earn a big fee but would also be left with days to find a replacement.
Regis Le Bris‘ side are playing a very risky game with Clarke, but they also can’t do much about it if nobody is coming in for him.
If the former Tottenham man is to leave towards the end of the month then the Black Cats are going to have to splash out for his replacement, because their chances of reaching the play-offs will take a huge hit without his goals and assists.