The Sunday Express claims that a number of Premier League teams are vying for Sunderland forward Jack Clarke’s signature this summer, including West Ham United.
Darren Witcoop stated on page 5 of the publication’s sports pull-out on June 2 that the Hammers, Southampton, and Bournemouth are eager to give Clarke another chance at the premier league.
Tim Steidten, the technical director of the Hammers, is actively seeking players for head coach Julen Lopetegui. Rumor has it that he will be able to compel Sunderland to let go of the 23-year-old for £15 million.
According to the article, top-flight suitors West Ham, Bournemouth, and newly promoted Southampton are all eyeing the £15 million star, so Southampton won’t stand in Clarke’s way.
Even though Clarke’s contract is still two years old, the managerless team is now prepared to lose him.
Clarke, who had a terrible three years at Tottenham, wants to play in the top league once more and disprove his detractors.
West Ham interested in Jack Clarke as Sunderland exit looms
Sunderland will have an uphill battle if they hope to retain onto the former Spurs and Leeds United player for another season after holding onto Clarke for the entirety of the previous campaign and rejecting four proposals from Burnley [Sunderland Echo].
The exciting left-winger has captured the hearts of fans on Wearside as the team’s clear star man during a turbulent campaign which culminated in a 16th-place finish in the Championship, and Clarke will now feel he is ready to give the Premier League another crack.
As part of a massive squad turnover at the London Stadium, West Ham had already indicated interest in the player, with Maxwel Cornet being rumored to be leaving.
Agent Ian Harte has naturally been quick to imply that Clarke’s career might benefit from a return to the top level, given his 15 goals and four assists in the league in 2023–2024.
The winger will be cautious about his next moves after a poor stint at Tottenham that produced no Premier League appearances, and the Hammers will need to demonstrate that they are the best choice for his future.
