Sunderland have reportedly slapped a valuation of £25million to £30million on the head of Jack Clarke this summer.
Clarke has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent windows. Burnley had bids rejected by Sunderland 12 months ago before Italian club Lazio also attempted to Lure the former Leeds United man away from the Stadium of Light last January.
Southampton have also been linked with a move for Clarke after their promotion to the Premier League last season under Russell Martin. Clarke scored 15 goals and bagged four assists in the Championship this season.
Fresh reports, however, have linked Premier League clubs Wolves and Crystal Palace with a move for Clarke during the summer transfer window. An article from Give Me Sport also states that Sunderland are holding out for a fee of £25million to £30million.
It is thought to be unlikely that Clarke will sign a new deal at Sunderland. Tottenham are also due a percentage of any deal for the attacker, who has two years left on his current contract.
Sunderland endured a disappointing end to the 2023/24 season – with the club already looking ahead to their next campaign.
The Black Cats will be looking to strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window, particularly up front following their recent goalscoring struggles. Sunderland will have money to spend this summer, but could also explore the free agent market – with some potential bargains to be found as players’ contracts expire.
Here are nine strikers from Premier League and Championship clubs whose deals are set to end this summer who the Black Cats could look at.
1. Tyrese Campbell (Stoke)
It’s been confirmed that Campbell will leave Stoke this summer after eight years at the club. After scoring nine Championship goals last season, the 24-year-old has missed parts of this campaign due to injury setbacks, scoring three times in 23 league appearances
2. Divin Mubama (West Ham)
Sunderland have been credited with interest in the West Ham striker, who looks set to leave the London Stadium when his contract expires this summer. The 19-year-old has made 18 senior appearances for the Hammers
3. Daniel Jebbison (Sheffield United)
A player who has been on Sunderland’s radar before. Jebbison didn’t feature for Sheffield United in the Premier League this season due to a combination of illness and injury. The 20-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer so new terms would have to be agreed for him to stay at Bramall Lane
4. Jay Rodriguez (Burnley)
Now 34, Rodriguez helped Burnley win promotion from the Championship last season, scoring 10 league goals. The forward has scored just twice in 20 Premier League games this term and is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer.
