A Sunderland reporter thinks the actions of Jack Clarke have dropped a big hint over his future amid West Ham bid claims.
Sunderland ace Jack Clarke is fast emerging as West Ham’s prime target in the January transfer window.
Indeed according to Keith Downie he may be the Hammers’ most attainable one too.
Because Sky Sports’ north east reporter stated last week that Sunderland will reluctantly sell Clarke for any offer over their £20m valuation.
It was reported overnight that West Ham are now poised to launch their opening bid for Clarke.
That comes after the Hammers target scored an absolute fizzbanger in Sunderland’s win over Ipswich yesterday. You can enjoy that thunderous effort below.
Sunderland reporter thinks Clarke actions drop big hint
It will be one thing agreeing a deal with promotion-chasing Sunderland. The Hammers must then persuade Clarke that a return to London will work out better than his failed move to West Ham’s rivals Spurs.
Often in these situations, where a club is reluctant to sell a star midway through the season, it takes a bit of a push on the player’s side to grease the transfer wheels.
Now a Sunderland reporter thinks Clarke’s actions have dropped a big hint over his future amid the West Ham bid claims.
Sunderland Echo reporter Joe Nicholson has confirmed West Ham’s interest in Clarke.
‘Clarke looks happy to stay’
But he believes what the attacking star did after scoring at Ipswich suggests he is more than happy where he is.
“Sunderland fans will also hope they can keep hold of their key players this month, with West Ham and other Premier League clubs said to be showing interest in Jack Clarke,” Nicholson said.
“Since Burnley’s attempts to sign the winger over the summer, Clarke is thought to have been happy on Wearside, with the 23-year-old scoring his 13th league goal of the season to give Sunderland a 1-0 lead at Portman Road.
“Clarke celebrated by running over to the touchline to celebrate with his teammates, leaping into a hug with substitute Hemir Semedo. It wasn’t the type of performance you’d expect from a player pushing for a move away.”
Hammers have big pull
For a start that doesn’t quite add up. Surely a player who is playing for a move is going to try to perform out of his skin to impress his suitors?
And being happy at Sunderland is all well and good. But if West Ham do come knocking and meet the Black Cats’ valuation then you would think the lure of challenging for the Premier League top six, playing in the last 16 of the Europa League and in front of the second biggest following in the UK will go a long way to making Clarke’s mind up.
Clarke would also likely see plenty of game time in the next month or two given West Ham’s availability issues.
Crucially, the ‘new Jack Grealish’ also counts as a homegrown player and fits the recruitment philosophy of technical director Tim Steidten.
Clarke can play across the forward line as well as centrally and he can even operate as a left wingback too.
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