Michael Beale makes new Jack Clarke transfer admission amid January interest from West Ham United
Michael Beale has confirmed Sunderland’s stance on a potential January exit for Jack Clarke, amid interest from West Ham United this month.
Reports emerged that the Hammers, Brentford and Crystal Palace were among five Premier League clubs that are interested in a move for the winger, with Sunderland likely to consider a bid upwards of £20million [Evening Standard, 10 January].
However, Black Cats’ boss Beale has admitted that any offers wouldn’t be “welcomed” at the Stadium of Light this month, confirming Sunderland’s stance that the 23-year-old isn’t for sale this month.
As quoted by the Evening Standard (12 January) he said: “When you are doing what he is doing every week at the top end of the Championship there’s going to be speculation. I want that for my players — I want them to thrive.
“I’ve not heard of any inquiries coming directly into the club for him, and I’d be lying if I said they would be welcome. We want Jack here playing for a strong Sunderland team and trying to see out what we are trying to do this season.
“I’ve been super impressed by him.”
Big bid required
West Ham need to add to their attacking ranks before the end of the January transfer window and Clarke is certainly an attractive option as David Moyes prepares to kick on in the second half of the Premier League campaign.
The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and picked up another two assists in only 26 Championship appearances this season. If he could replicate that form in the Premier League, he could be a real difference-maker at the London Stadium.
However, any potential deal is going to be incredibly expensive to get over the line, especially after Beale’s latest admission. Sunderland will likely turn away any bids below their £20million valuation and may even be able to drive that price even higher.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers will make a move to bring the winger to the London Stadium this month, but it feels likely that they’ll need to offload a few players before they add to their squad.
In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has dropped an update on Danny Ings potentially January exit