Top teams following progress of Sunderland ace Clarke
JACK Clarke’s agent has spoken out after the 22-year-old Sunderland winger was linked with a quartet of Premier League clubs.
Former Black Cats defender Ian Harte, who acts as Clarke’s representative, admits the lively winger loves life on Wearside but he can’t control interest from clubs in the top flight.
The former Leeds United youngster has rebuilt his career with Sunderland after struggling to break into Tottenham’s first-team following a big money move from Elland Road.
Ex-Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa handed Clarke his opportunity to impress in 2018-19.
Clarke impressed on loan with Sunderland in 2021-22 before signing on a permanent deal last summer.
The Wearsiders’ forward scored 11 goals and registered 13 assists back in the second tier of English football - a return which left Harte delighted.
He said: “I’m just delighted Jack has gone out and had the season he’s had because a lot of Tottenham fans criticised him and said they should never have signed him.
“He’s proved he has the ability to be involved.
“Jack’s had 11 goals and 13 assists. Stats don’t lie.
“It’s his first year playing in the Championship, he’s played in the majority of games and now it’s about building on that.”
Crystal Palace, Everton, Burnley and Brentford are said to be keen on signing Clarke this summer, with reports claiming a number of clubs had submitted bids to Sunderland last week.
However, Harte admitted Clarke was happy on Wearside,.
He added: “Jack loves it. It’s a great group of lads at Sunderland.
“He plays golf with Ross Stewart and Patrick Roberts and there’s a real bond there.
“It’s a good time to be at Sunderland and I think all the fans are in the best spirits they’ve been in a long time.
“Jack loves it at Sunderland and he has three years of his contract left.
“Of course I can’t control what other clubs are going to do.
“If other clubs contact Sunderland that’s unfortunately out of my control.
“I think every player, no matter what league you’re in, has a price and no matter what club you’re at if a club is happy with it they’ll take it.
“Top and bottom of it, though, I love going to Sunderland
“I live locally and I also look after Niall Huggins who will hopefully kick on and have a really positive season next year and play games.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”