Sunderland are reportedly much more likely to sell winger Jack Clarke this summer rather than in the current window, amid interest from Wolves and a host of other clubs.
Wolves were credited with an interest in the Black Cats forward earlier this week, with the 23-year-old having enjoyed a fine campaign so far.
Clarke has scored 12 goals in 26 games for Sunderland, and his contributions are helping the team challenge for promotion.
It’s been suggested that Wolves are looking to sign another wide forward this month, as well as a central striker.
Hwang Hee-chan is currently away on Asia Cup duty with South Korea and at the moment, Gary O’Neil only has Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto.
So Clarke is of interest, but Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has played down talk of the player leaving Sunderland this month…
Wolves target Jack Clarke unlikely to be leaving Sunderland this month
Clarke has enjoyed a fine start to 2023/24 and inevitably, his form now has clubs looking in his direction.
Wolves are thought to be one such club, but claims of a £15 million valuation may make a move very this month difficult.
So then, an update from Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie this morning is potentially good news for Wolves.
He said on Sky Sports News this morning: “I think it’s more likely this summer, if I’m honest. There’s a lot of interest in the player. He’s a top talent, West Ham we’ve mentioned are interested and there’s a couple of other clubs sniffing around, a couple of Premier League clubs. I think there’s interest in him from both Germany and France.
“I can’t see him leaving for anything else than £15 million. Given Sunderland’s position in the Championship, they’ve got a chance of nicking a play-off place. I think they can only do that with Jack Clarke, he’s their best player.
“I just think for Sunderland it would take an offer they can’t refuse for him to go in January.
“I do think he will move, but I do think it’s more likely it’ll be in the summer, rather than this month.
Wolves may stand better chance of signing Clarke this summer
At the moment, it feels very unlikely that Wolves will sign Clarke.
He’s got a host of clubs tracking him and simply put, Wanderers don’t have £15 million (at least) to splash on one player this month. The club are still being careful with their spending following on from last summer.
This update from Downie is encouraging though. It sounds like Clarke will not be going anywhere this month, because he’s vital for Sunderland’s promotion push.
In the summer, Wolves will be able to spend more freely as a new FFP cycle will begin (every three years) and they will perhaps be able to compete for Clarke.
Of course, his market value will likely have increased by the summer, but Wolves surely stand some kind of chance of signing him then, unlike now.