Sunderland will be hoping to keep Jack Clarke after the January transfer market closes.
After a few difficult years with Tottenham Hotspur, the winger has returned to his best at the Stadium of Light.
Clarke joined the Black Cats on a permanent basis in the summer of 2022, and he quickly fitted in, helping the side reach the Championship play-offs.
He and Amad Diallo were two of the reasons the club did so well, and after Sunderland failed to enter the Premier League, rumors began to circulate that other clubs were interested in Clarke.
Burnley and Brentford were the most interested, and it has not been ruled out that they will return in January.
Sunderland reportedly turned down a £10 million bid from Burnley for Clarke in the summer.
Obviously, no agreement was ever reached, and Clarke has continued to play for the Black Cats. However, according to Football Insider, interest from Burnley and Brentford has not subsided.
According to the report, Burnley has been keeping a watch on Clarke and has been impressed with his early-season showing. While Brentford remain interested in the 22-year-old, Sunderland are bracing themselves for interest as the new year approaches.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray has not ruled out Clarke leaving the club in January if a suitable offer is offered.
So with that said, Sunderland may already be looking at potential replacements for Clarke, but they may not have to look far, as they could already have one on their books.
Sunderland signed Jewison Bennette last summer from Herediano, and in his first season at the club, the winger did impress.
He made 15 appearances in the league, scoring a goal as well as recording a single assist. The Black Cats haven’t rushed Bennette, as they’ve allowed the player time to adapt to a new league, and it looks to be paying off.
According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 0.4 shots per game, 0.5 dribbles, and 0.2 critical passes last season, showing hints of what he can do.
He’s been hampered by injuries this season, but when he’s played, he’s demonstrated that he has all the makings of a very exciting, offensive future for them.
Bennette is obviously suffering for consistent minutes this season due to Clarke’s performances, but when he has played, he has showed great promise and has supporters thrilled.
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