Sunderland struggle in contract talks with Jack Clarke – report
Sunderland are eager to tie down Jack Clarke to a new contract but are struggling to come to an agreement, according to Alan Nixon.
The journalist reported via his Patreon page on Sunday (18 August) that Clarke remains a target for several clubs, but has been valued too high.
Leeds United are among the clubs showing an interest in Clarke [Sunday Mirror, 18 August] ahead of the 30 August transfer deadline date.
“Sunderland want to give star man Jack Clarke a new deal – but are struggling to sort out terms,” Nixon wrote.
“Goalscoring wide man Clarke is fancied by several clubs but has been valued too high to move in the window.”
Sunderland must do everything to retain Jack Clarke
It is little wonder that Clarke is a man in demand as we fast approach the end of the summer transfer window.
The attacker is regularly linked with the Stadium of Light exit, yet it is looking increasingly likely that nobody will match his valuation this summer.
At risk of speaking too soon, there are just two weeks of the window to go and clubs may therefore have decided to look elsewhere.
Clarke scored 15 goals and assisted four more in 40 Championship games last season, having directly contributed to 20 goals the season before.
That goes to show that he is a consistent presence in the second tier, while he also has one goal and one assist in two outings this campaign.
The worst-case scenario for Sunderland is that the 23-year-old is finally snapped up just before the window closes, meaning no replacement is signed.
Hopefully, though, the Black Cats will get at least one more campaign out of him. And with a bit of luck, a Premier League return will convince him to agree to that new deal.
In other Sunderland news, Don Goodman has had his say on what Black Cats fans can expect this season.
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