Matthew Chadder

Tue 9 January 2024 19:40, UK

Sunderland would be unable to refuse an offer of £20million for West Ham United target, Jack Clarke, according to Keith Downie.

The Sky Sports News reporter provided an update on West Ham’s interest in Clarke via his personal X account (9 January), revealing that he would “expect” Sunderland to hold on to the 23-year-old forward in January.

However, should the Black Cats receive an offer they can’t refuse for their “prize asset” they could be tempted to sell, with a fee of at least £20million expected to be the minimum amount they would accept.

Downie’s colleague at Sky Sports, Dharmesh Sheth, previously reported via his X account (9 January) that the Hammers are interested in Clarke, who is Sunderland’s top scorer this season with 12 goals from 26 Championship matches.

Big money

There is no doubt that Clarke is in good form for Sunderland, who currently sit sixth in the Championship table, but £20million is a lot of money for a young player who, despite his success in England’s second tier, struggled to make an impact in his last Premier League move.

The winger made the switch to West Ham’s London rivals Tottenham in 2019 from Leeds United when he was just 18.

He struggled to find his feet in north London, eventually sealing a permanent switch to Sunderland after being sent out on loan three times during his three-year stay in the capital which saw him make just four first-team appearances for Spurs.

Clarke will therefore not have fond memories of London. However, now 23, the forward has matured and could look to exercise those past demons of his failed move to Tottenham with a successful one to West Ham.

Nonetheless, £20million remains a lot of money for the player, particularly in January, and David Moyes could be better off utilising some of the attacking talents he already has at his disposal for the rest of the season.

In other West Ham news, a pair linked with an exit from the club are now expected to stay put.