Jack Clarke's agent has spoken out after the 22-year-old Sunderland winger was linked with a quartet of Premier League clubs. Former Black Cats defender Ian Harte, who acts as Clarke's representative, admits the lively winger loves life on Wearside but he can't control interest from clubs in the top flight.
The former Leeds United youngster has rebuilt his career with Sunderland after struggling to break into Tottenham Hotspur's first-team following a big money move from Elland Road. Ex-Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa handed Clarke his opportunity to impress back in 2018-19.
Clarke impressed on loan with Sunderland in 2021-22 before signing on a permanent deal last summer. The red-and-white forward scored 11 goals and registered 13 assists back in the second tier of English football, a return that left Harte delighted.
READ MORE: Dan Ballard explains why he chose a move to Sunderland over Burnley last summer
“I’m just delighted he’s gone out and had the season he’s had because a lot of Tottenham fans criticised him and said they should never have signed him but he’s proven he’s got the ability to be involved," Harte told the i.
“He’s had 11 goals and 13 assists. Stats don’t lie. It’s his first year playing in the Championship, he’s played in the majority of games and now it’s about building on that.”
Crystal Palace, Everton, Burnley and Brentford are said to be keen on signing Clarke this summer, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming a number of club's had submitted bids to Sunderland last week. However, Harte admitted Clarke was happy on Wearside,.
“He loves it. It’s a great group of lads [at Sunderland],” Harte said. “He plays golf with [team-mates] Ross Stewart and Patrick Roberts and there’s a real bond there.
"It’s a good time to be at Sunderland and I think all the Sunderland fans are in the best spirits they’ve been in a long time. Jack loves it at Sunderland and he’s got three years [of his contract] left.
"Of course I can’t control what other clubs are going to do. If other clubs contact Sunderland that’s unfortunately out of my control.
“I think every player, no matter what league you’re in, has a price and no matter what club you’re at if a club is happy with it they’ll take it.
“But top and bottom of it, I love going [to Sunderland]. I live locally and I also look after Niall Huggins who will hopefully kick on and have a really positive season next year and play games. We’ll just have to wait and see [what happens]."
READ NEXT
- Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin could be offered the chance to switch international allegiance
- Anthony Patterson in no rush to leave Sunderland despite atttracting admirers
- 'It was a privilege' - Carl Winchester bids farewell to Sunderland supporters as he leaves Wearside
- Sunderland transfer target helps his side stun favourites to win A-League Grand Final
- Sunderland linked with experienced Dutch midfielder who could act as cover for Corry Evans
