Sunderland are set for a battle to keep hold of star Jack Clarke in January, with the Wearside club struggling to agree terms on a new contract, according to journalist Alan Nixon.
The 22-year-old is seen as the crown jewel of Sunderland’s young squad, and he was the subject of multiple bids from Premier League outfit Burnley throughout the summer. However, the Black Cats held firm in their stance that the winger was not for sale.
It was reported last month that a number of top tier clubs were ready to pounce in January, including Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The North East-based outfit are said to be holding out for £15 million before they even consider a sale, with up to 50% of that fee claimed to be earmarked for former club Tottenham Hotspur – who inserted a significant sell-on clause when they sanctioned his sale in 2022. As a result, Sunderland are keen to tie him down to a new deal, despite his current contract running until 2026.
According to Nixon, a ‘big pay rise’ has been offered, but Sunderland are looking to insert a significant sell-on clause of their own. So far, Clarke is yet to put pen-to-paper, putting Brentford in particular on ‘red alert’.
Manager Tony Mowbray has remained calm in his assessment of the situation in recent months, although it is believed that they are lining up another loan move for Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo, who enjoyed an excellent stint at the Stadium of Light last season. However, sources revealed to The Real EFL earlier this week that the 21-year-old is determined to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place upon returning from injury.
Erik ten Hag is keen to continue to use experienced stars on the right-hand side of his attack this season, meaning another loan move could be on the cards in the New Year. Unfortunately for Sunderland, this looks likely to be to a team competing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Writer’s View
This is a situation that is unlikely to disappear heading into the transfer window, but Sunderland will be fighting furiously to tie the talented attacker down to a new contract that will benefit both parties. There seems to be a sense of acceptance that he will move on to pastures new at some point in the future, but the Wearsider’s obviously want it to be on a deal that suits them, especially with the percentage of the fee that would be due to previous club Spurs.
The Black Cats are still confident of reaching the Premier League themselves and they will be hoping that that prospect will be enough to convince Clarke to remain until the end of the campaign at least. Yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Swansea City kept them just outside the top six, although they are just two points behind Preston North End in the final play-off sp
