Sunderland could be in store for a late scare where Jack Clarke is regarded.
Sunderland did well to keep hold of star man Clarke throughout the last summer transfer window, and they’ve done well to keep him up until the final day of this winter window.
But the window is open for a few more hours yet and Italian giants Lazio are reportedly ready to go all in for Clarke ahead of tonight’s 11pm deadline.
Reports coming out of Italy (via Sport Witness) say that Lazio are ready go ‘all in’ to sign the 23-year-old tonight, after recently seeing a £15million bid knocked back.
Michael Graham though believes that Sunderland will need an offer of at least £20million to consider selling the former Spurs man, who’s scored 13 goals in the Championship already this season.
Recent arrival could pave way for Jack Clarke to leave Sunderland
Romaine Mundle recently arrived at the Stadium of Light, becoming Michael Beale‘s second signing of this month’s transfer window.
Mundle is a left-winger by trade and may be viewed as a long-term successor to Clarke; though his arrival today could well give Sunderland reason to sell Clarke, especially if a large offer comes in.
And it would certainly take a big offer given Graham’s recent revelation on the matter. But with Lazio ready to go all in, it could suggest that they’re now poised to put £20million or so on the table.
So Sunderland fans and indeed Beale will be facing a nervy wait until 11pm.
Clarke is without doubt a pivotal player in Sunderland’s quest for promotion, and Mundle may not be able to provide the same goods straight away, but £20million could prove too difficult to turn down.
Sunderland return to Championship action with a trip to Middlesbrough this weekend, with kick off at 12pm on SUnday/