Sunderland could lose their ‘super talent’ to a relegated Premier League side this summer.
Sunderland could face tough competition to keep hold of a number of their star players over the next few months.
The Black Cats have endured a particularly underwhelming campaign following Tony Mowbray’s sacking in December, with the club dropping from ninth to sixteenth in the Championship table.
Mike Dodds has guided the side to only two wins since taking over as interim head coach earlier this year, but their disappointing performances haven’t prevented heavy interest in their biggest assets.
One player who looks extremely likely to leave the Stadium of Light is Jack Clarke, who has been linked with a move to the top flight since last summer.
Burnley were the first club to try and tempt the winger away from Sunderland following their promotion to the top flight, before the likes of Bournemouth, West Ham and Brentford joined.
Clarke continues to be linked with a move to the top flight and it has seemed his most likely destination for months now, despite bids from Lazio in January.
However, it now looks like the 23-year-old ‘super talent‘ could actually remain in the Championship – but not on Wearside.
Jack Clarke’s most likely destination amid Sunderland exit
We spoke to journalistGraeme Bailey about Clarke’s future, and how he could now join one of two clubs who could face relegation to the second tier this month.
Bailey said: “”I still think Burnley are favourites for me from what I’ve heard, though I haven’t heard too much recently. I think he’s more likely to go to Burnley or Sheffield United personally, but we’ll see how that transpires in the coming weeks.”
We asked whether it is likely he will be playing Championship football for another club next season, and he replied: “Possibly. Yeah I think that’s a distinct possibility. But I think it could also be lower [Premier League] or promoted too.”
Sheffield United’s relegation was confirmed following their 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United last month, while Burnley still have a slim chance of staying up.
The Clarets sit five points from safety with two games to go, meaning they would have to win both and hope Nottingham Forest and Luton Town were beaten to avoid the drop.
Why would Jack Clarke stay in the Championship?
Burnley’s interest has been consistent for a year now and they could see Clarke as the perfect addition to help them win immediate promotion back to the top flight next term.
The attacker will surely still be tempted by a move to the Premier League, but could also be intrigued by the option to fight for automatic promotion and make a real contribution to claiming a league title in a year’s time.
Clarke’s price tag will surely be an issue for those in the Championship, though Burnley did reportedly spend over £35 million on players following their previous relegation in 2022.
Born in York, Clarke could also be tempted by a move to Bramall Lane as it means he can stay up north.
A number of his current suitors are all in the English capital, though Clarke could still be eager to prove himself in the Premier League after his failed spell with Tottenham.
