Jack Clarke negotiations ongoing as West Ham United eye Sunderland gem
Jack Clarke remains in negotiations with Sunderland over a new contract amid interest from West Ham and Southampton, according to The Sun.
The newspaper reported in its print edition on Tuesday [20 August, page 48] that Clarke is catching the eye of the Premier League pair.
It has previously been suggested that Clarke has rejected a new contract offer at Sunderland, but the report denies that is the case.
Talks are said to be ongoing between the talented attacker and the Black Cats ahead of the 30 August deadline.
Jack Clarke would be superb West Ham signing
Clarke has had a couple of very good seasons in the Championship, scoring and assisting a combined 39 goals in 85 appearances.
That is a great return for a wide forward in a side that has not been at the very top echelons of the second tier.
The 23-year-old looks good value to have his best season yet, too, as he has already scored and assisted in his first two league games this term.
Wanting Clarke is one thing, though. Actually agreeing a fee with Sunderland is another, as they will clearly be desperate to keep hold of him.
Clarke’s current deal runs through until the end of next season, so the Black Cats have a little bit of room to manoeuvre.
West Ham are blessed with many attacking talents, but tabling a cheeky bid for Clarke should certainly not be ruled out.
As we have seen with Jarrod Bowen among many others, there are some real gems below the Premier League just waiting for another chance.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are expected to win the race for a £17million-rated player.
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