Sunderland are yet to receive any bids for star man Jack Clarke.
The Black Cats are expected to be in for a tough summer, with a majority of their starting line-up previously attracting interest from the Premier League.
Jobe Bellingham has already been the subject of offers from the top flight but has reportedly committed his immediate future to Sunderland.
Meanwhile, Chris Rigg has put pen to paper on a new contract, despite heavy interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Clarke remains highly likely to leave the Stadium of Light though, having been linked with a long list of clubs since last summer.
The winger netted 15 goals last season and his 87-minute appearance against Sheffield Wednesday on the final day was expected to be his last in red and white.
However, Sunderland are yet to receive any bids for Clarke after placing a £18 million price tag on his head.
With less than four weeks to go until their Championship opener against Cardiff City, journalist James Copley has admitted there is still a ‘chance’ Clarke could stay on Wearside.
Clarke will ‘probably’ play for Sunderland again
Speaking on the Sunderland Echo’s The Roar podcast, Copley said: “Obviously there was a lot of interest in January and the summer before with Burnley, but it’s remained quiet about Clarke so far and I just wonder if Sunderland’s valuation is putting teams off because they do want to get the best possible deal. You have to note as well that Tottenham will be owed some money from any potential Clarke sale.
“So I’m expecting this one to maybe gather a few more legs as the transfer window wears on, perhaps when the clubs don’t become desperate, but maybe haven’t got the targets they’d like, and then suddenly Jack Clarke becomes an even more attractive offer and they’ve got money to spend… so it’s interesting.
“Me and Phil actually predicted that clarke will probably play for Sunderland again in the Championship. I could definitely see that happening. So I think if I had to put money on it, I would say that he probably does leave, but I do think there is a chance that he could stay.
“I do think that two years in for Sunderland now is probably the sweet spot if you want to get the best possible deal. Chances of him signing a new deal, we understand are probably fairly slim unless Sunderland get promoted.”
What is the best deal for Sunderland?
Sunderland need to stand firm in their bid to get the right price for Clarke, because there is simply no point in letting him leave if they aren’t going to earn what he is worth.
The ‘super talent’ could well be the difference between promotion and staying in the Championship next term, so selling him really has to be worth the club’s time and that certainly wouldn’t be the case for less than £18m.
If the 23-year-old does end up staying then fans really shouldn’t be concerned about his price tag plummeting.
Clarke will always be worth eight figures and most supporters would surely prefer him to help Sunderland reach the Premier League and earn a few less million, than get a better deal but struggle to replace him and settle for a mid-table finish next term.
It’s definitely a risk worth taking if no club can match his valuation, but things can change very quickly in the transfer window.