Sunderland star Jack Clarke is a man in headlines right now.
Following an impressive couple of seasons in the Championship with Sunderland, and a strong start to the 2024/25 season, Jack Clarke seems to be more in demand than ever.
Last summer, Burnley appeared to be the team chasing a deal for Clarke more than any other, but the Clarets couldn’t make a breakthrough.
They were tabling bids around the £10million mark, but Clarke’s 15-goal haul in the Championship last time round appears to have at least doubled his price tag this time round.
Reports say that Sunderland want £25million for Clarke this summer.
But Ipswich Town have made a £15million bid for Clarke, with suggestions of add-ons taking that figure closer towards £20million.
Clarke is out of contract in 2026 and it’s widely reported that he and the club have reached an impasse in talks over a new deal.
This week, though, it’s been revealed that Clarke has not rejected a new Sunderland contract and that talks remain ongoing.
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Keith Downie sheds light on Ipswich Town bid for Sunderland star Jack Clarke
Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has now shed some more light on Ipswich Town’s pursuit of Clarke.
Clarke has had Premier League interest all summer with several clubs having been linked, including Crystal Palace, Southampton, and West Ham.
Downie reveals that Sunderland have already knocked back bids for Clarke from Ipswich Town and Southampton this summer.
Downie also adds that Sunderland ‘are this morning considering’ Ipswich’s bid for Clarke, but offers no indication as to whether or not Sunderland are tempted by the offer.
Sunderland owners must take firm stance on Jack Clarke amid Ipswich Town bid
Sunderland owners have been praised for their firm stance on player valuations this summer.
There’s several players in the first-team squad who have interest and who have high transfer values; Jobe Bellingham and Anthony Patterson to name a couple.
But Sunderland haven’t shied in the face of Premier League interest, and they haven’t budged from their valuations of players.
And they can’t do so with Clarke, who is by far their best player and most valuable asset.
If the Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman want £25million for Clarke, they shouldn’t settle for any less.
Chances are, Clarke will have another impressive season in the Championship, and even if they can’t get him on a new deal, £25million for Clarke next summer or even in January next year seems doable.