SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Jack Clarke of Sunderland celebrates after he scores his team's second goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle at Stadium of Light on February 10, 2024 in Sunderland, United Kingdom. (Photo by Martin Swinney/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Sunderland may be in store for a nervy final two weeks of the summer transfer window.
Sunderland are enjoying life under new boss Regis Le Bris, following a perfect start to the 2024/25 Championship season.
The Black Cats beat Cardiff City 2-0 on the opening day of the campaign, with Sunderland beating Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 in their last outing.
Le Bris’ men looked dangerous and well-drilled throughout and it’ll have come to the delight of the Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman following a prolonged search process for Michael Beale‘s permanent successor at the Stadium of Light.
And on top of what was a complete attacking performance, Sunderland are yet to concede a single goal in the Championship this season.
With matters on the pitch moving along nicely, there may be a growing focus towards matters off the pitch at Sunderland, mainly transfers.
Sunderland are trying to sign Alexandre Mendy and look as though they could soon make a breakthrough on that front.
But potential outgoings remains a threat, with Jack Clarke a name in headlines.
Jack Clarke latest at Sunderland amid West Ham and Southampton links
Clarke has Premier League interest this summer, and has done for some time now.
Several teams have been mentioned as suitors this summer including Crystal Palace, Southampton, and Wolves, but it’s now being reported that Southampton and West Ham are the teams chasing a potential deal.
The Sun [print edition, 20th August 2024, pg. 48] claims that the Premier League pair are keeping an eye on Clarke, who remains in contract negotiations with Sunderland.
There’s been numerous reports that Clarke will not sign a new Sunderland contract this summer, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.
But The Sun claim that Clarke has not rejected a new deal and that he and the club remain in contract negotiations.
Kristjaan Speakman can pull off Sunderland coup with new Jack Clarke deal
Clarke remains the talisman for Sunderland, as he’s shown already this season.
Clarke earned praise vs Sheffield Wednesday for what was an electric performance from the winger, who now has one assist and one goal in two Championship appearances this season.
Keeping him, and possibly tying him down to a new deal would be a huge coup for Sunderland, whose strong start to the season may well have changed Clarke’s mind about potentially leaving the club.
If matters on the pitch continue to move along nicely then there may be no reason for Clarke to leave.
But if a new deal isn’t agreed then he’ll have to be sold next summer; unless of course, a sizeable £25million offer comes in this summer.
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