'Lets see what happens' — Jack Clarke tipped for Leeds United return amid £15m Premier League interest — YEP 21/6/24
By Kyle Newbould
Leeds United sold the winger to Tottenham for £10m back in
2019.
Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has suggested a
return to Elland Road for Jack Clarke would represent great business - so long
as interested Premier League sides don’t get there first.
Clarke has attracted continued interest from the top-flight
after a best-ever individual season at Sunderland, with 15 goals and four
assists in 40 Championship appearances enough to earn him the club’s Player of
the Season award. West Ham United were thought to be keen on a move in January
and reports earlier this week have named the Hammers as a potential suitor once
again.
Sunderland rejected a £10million bid from Burnley for Clarke
last summer and are thought to want around £15m this time round, owing to his
excellent season at the Stadium of Light. Whether West Ham, or anyone else for
that matter, would be willing to meet that price remains to be seen but Grayson
has suggested those in charge at Elland Road might be minded to keep an eye on
the situation.
"Jack Clarke has had an exceptional season but it will
have to be a Premier League team he leaves Sunderland for,” Grayson said.
“Leeds were forced to sell him for financial reasons previously but he would be
an incredible addition. With Willy Gnonto, Dan James, Crysencio Summerville,
Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe, Leeds have attackers that would get in so many
Premier League teams. Let's get to the summer and see what happens, he would be
an unbelievable weapon to have."
Sunderland are expecting to receive bids for Clarke, with
some reports suggesting they are resigned to losing their talisman after a
disappointing season and lack of plan regarding the future. The Black Cats
burned through two permanent managers before finishing the campaign in 16th
with Mike Dodds in interim charge since February.
The decision to put Dodds in temporary control was made to
allow club chiefs time to source a long-term successor but after multiple
rounds of talks with several options, Sunderland seem no closer to an
appointment. Will Still and Liam Rosenior are both thought to have turned down
the opportunity, while meetings have also been held with Scott Parker and Frank
Lampard.
That uncertainty will be doing little to convince the likes
of Clarke to remain on Wearside, particularly if offers to move are coming from
the Premier League or promotion-chasing Championship sides. There is also
thought to be interest in young midfielder Jobe Bellingham, brother of England
and Real Madrid star Jude, while Leeds have been named as one of several clubs
keen on £8m-rated defender Trai Hume.