Update on Jack Clarke future amid Southampton and West Ham links, it’s a positive one for Sunderland

Sunderland could face a nerve-racking final two weeks of the summer transfer window.

Sunderland are enjoying life under new manager Regis Le Bris after a successful start to the 2024/25 Championship season.

The Black Cats beat Cardiff City 2-0 on the opening day of the season, with Sunderland defeating Sheffield Wednesday 4-0 in their last outing.

Le Bris’ men looked dangerous and well-drilled throughout, which will have pleased Sunderland’s owners and Kristjaan Speakman after a lengthy search for Michael Beale’s permanent replacement at the Stadium of Light.

On top of a dominant attacking performance, Sunderland have yet to concede a single goal in the Championship this season.

With things on the pitch going well, Sunderland may be shifting its focus to off-the-field issues, primarily transfers.

Sunderland are attempting to sign Alexandre Mendy and appear to be close to making an agreement.

But potential outgoings remain a threat, with Jack Clarke making headlines.

Jack Clarke most recent at Sunderland amid Southampton and West Ham links

Clarke has expressed an interest in the Premier League this summer, as he has for some time.

Several teams have been mentioned as suitors this summer, including Crystal Palace, Southampton, and Wolves, but it has now been reported that Southampton and West Ham are pursuing a possible deal.

According to The Sun [print edition, August 20, 2024, p. 48], the Premier League duo are keeping an eye on Clarke, who is still negotiating a contract with Sunderland.

There have been numerous reports that Clarke will not sign a new contract with Sunderland this summer, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.

However, according to The Sun, Clarke has not rejected a new contract and is still negotiating with the club.

Kristjaan Speakman can pull off Sunderland coup with the new Jack Clarke deal.

Clarke remains Sunderland’s talisman, as evidenced by his performances this season.

Clarke received praise after an electric performance against Sheffield Wednesday, and he now has one assist and one goal in two Championship appearances this season.

Keeping him and possibly tying him down to a new contract would be a huge coup for Sunderland, whose strong start to the season may have persuaded Clarke to reconsider leaving the club.

If things on the pitch continue to go well, Clarke may not have any reason to leave.

But if a new deal isn’t reached, he’ll have to be sold next summer, unless a big £25 million offer comes in this summer.

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