According to reports, Sunderland are in a stalemate with Jack Clarke as contract talks appear to have stalled in recent weeks.
It has been an up-and-down season for Sunderland which currently sees them sit seventh in the Championship.
With a loss, win and draw since Michael Beale took charge of the Black Cats, this has only gone on to continue this trend in form.
One man who has been in consistently good form is Jack Clarke. With 12 goals and an assist this campaign, he has more goal involvements than anyone in the squad. This is six more than Dan Neil in second place, according to FotMob.
This top form in front of goal sees him rank amongst the league’s elite for goals. Registering the second most goals behind only Sammie Szmodics with 15.
As a result of this top form, there has been plenty of interest in his signature. From Burnley over the summer to new options in January, there have been various suitors. With that being said, Sunderland have looked to tie Clarke down to a new contract and now there has been an update.
What has been said about Jack Clarke?
It has been reported for many months that the club are looking to extend the contract of their star man to discourage a move away. It appears that this has been a difficult process.
In a recent report by TeamTalk, they have suggested that the most recent round of contract talks have come to an end.
On that point, they said: “Sunderland’s contract talks with Jack Clarke have reached an impasse. This as the Black Cats have refused to improve their offer to the in-form attacker.
“Sunderland have been in contract talks with Clarke since the close of the summer transfer window, but have been unable to come to an agreement on new terms.”
Given the impact that Clarke has had on Sunderland and their league position this season, he can’t be let go. Although they could command a high fee for the Englishman, his goals will mean more to the club than that. This is especially true given the striker issues the Black Cats have had this campaign.
The report also suggested that he is ‘not among the top bracket of highest earners at the Wearside club.’ This has got to be something that is changed soon. His importance to the side is clear to see and there is no more reason to offer him a new deal.
Who knows where Clarke and his future will lie but Sunderland fans will be hopeful it will be at the Stadium of Light.