Sunderland have no intention of letting Jack Clarke leave on the cheap with newly-promoted Burnley understood to have lodged a £7m bid for the in-demand winger. Clarke scored nine goals and contributed 12 assists last season, with his performances attracting a host of admirers.
And Vincent Kompany's Clarets have made an early move for the 22-year-old, with the Lancashire side believed to have offered a deal worth an initial £7m but which could rise to £10m based on add-ons. That offer does not meet Sunderland's valuation, however, and with Clarke having already moved for a fee in excess of £10m when he left Leeds United in 2019 to join Spurs as an 18-year-old with just 25 appearances to his name, it is easy to see why.
Not only that, but when Clarke joined Sunderland from Spurs last summer the deal is understood to have included a substantial sell-on percentage which would have to be taken into account if and when he moves on. Sunderland are under no pressure to sell, with Clarke under contract until 2026.
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But, as Clarke's agent Ian Harte - a former Sunderland player - pointed out last week, every player has his price. Not only that, but the recruitment model adopted by the Black Cats depends on developing young talent and selling it on to fund future purchases.
That said, Sunderland will not allow their star men to leave for below their market value, and in Clarke's case they would be happy to see him remain on Wearside as the club looks to improve on last season's sixth-place finish in the Championship.
