Sunderland could face a nervy final few days of the January transfer window.
Sunderland have so far managed to keep hold of all their players this month, despite heavy interest in some of their key men towards the end of 2023.
While there have been rumours of Jewison Bennette getting a loan move away and Alex Pritchard reuniting with Tony Mowbray, it is the future of Jack Clarke that could really concern supporters.
The winger was the subject of a seven-figure bid from Burnley in the summer, but ended up staying on Wearside and has since netted 13 goals in the Championship.
His brilliant form this term has only attracted more clubs, and the Clarets now face competition from the likes of West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace.
Recent reports have claimed Sunderland could demand around £25 million for the 23-year-old, though the club are yet to receive any offers for their star man this month.
While he looks increasingly likely to stay at the Stadium of Light until the summer, there is still the possibility of him leaving as late as deadline day.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has spoken exclusively to Sunderland AFC News regarding the future of Jack Clarke and how likely he is to stay put beyond the January window.
“It’s looking that way. Sunderland are quite fortunate in that if you are wanting to keep him, because the Premier League is at such a poor level this season, it has caused a ripple effect where there’s no panic buying going on. The Crystal Palaces and the Evertons, they’re not panic buying because they don’t think they have to to stay up.
“I think if clubs were panic buying then Jack Clarke would be very high on the list of a lot of clubs. i think Sunderland would sell at £20m and there is that sell-on with Tottenham, that’s quite big, it’s over 30%. I think they may consider a few swap deals in there too.
“But I think they are fairly settled, I think they know he’s going to stay now. I don’t see him going right now, but it wouldn’t surprise me if someone came sniffing around quite late in the window.
“He’s definitely a dark horse that could potentially leave on the very last day.”
West Ham are closing in on Jack Clarke alternative
West Ham looked to be one of the favourites to sign Jack Clarke, if he was to leave this month.
The Irons are looking to offload Said Benrahma, while Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are both sidelined with injuries.
While West Ham were tipped to make a late move for Clarke, their recent pursuit of Ibrahim Osman may bring their interest in the Sunderland attacker to an end.
According to Football Insider, David Moyes’ side are in ‘very advanced talks’ to sign FC Nordsjaelland forward Ibrahim Osman.
West Ham are looking to tie up a £15.4 million deal for the teenager, who only has one senior goal to his name for the Danish club.
Given how much they would have to cough up to sign Clarke too, the London outfit may have abruptly ended their pursuit of the winger.