Pundit Chris Waddle believes Sunderland should demand around £20 million for Jack Clarke this summer, but he admits he has doubts over whether the winger is good enough to play in the Premier League.
It was an incredibly disappointing season for Sunderland last term as they finished 16th in the table, but Clarke enjoyed an outstanding campaign on an individual level, and he was one of the standout players in the Championship.
| Jack Clarke’s stats for Sunderland last season (according to Transfermarkt) | |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 4 |
Clarke’s fine form has continued into this season, with the winger scoring one goal and providing one assist in the first two games of the season, but the Black Cats could be vulnerable to losing him before the end of the transfer window.
The 23-year-old has been linked with former club Leeds United in recent days, while Premier League sides Brentford, Ipswich Town and Southampton have been credited with an interest this summer, but it remains to be seen whether any club would be willing to meet Sunderland’s reported £25 million valuation.
It has been claimed that Clarke has rejected the offer of a new contract at the Stadium of Light, but speaking earlier this month, head coach Regis Le Bris said he was hopeful the club could keep hold of him.
Chris Waddle on Jack Clarke’s Sunderland future
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, via NewBettingSites.uk, Waddle said that Sunderland should hold out for around £20 million for Clarke, but he expressed reservations over whether he would be able to perform in the Premier League.
“In the modern day market, people will be looking at about £20 million,” Waddle said.
“Jack’s done very well for Sunderland, you cannot fault what he’s done for the club.
“The question mark is about whether he is a Premier League footballer, I know he went to Tottenham when he was too young.
