EXCLUSIVE: Questions raised over Jack Clarke Sunderland future as contract talks shelved

Sunderland may be willing to test the market on Jack Clarke this summer after all.

Sunderland have put contract talks with Jack Clarke on hold for now, Sunderland Nation understands.

Clarke produced a stunning season for the Black Cats, hitting double figures in both goals and assists from the left side of the attack.

That led to initial talks that looked at extending the 22-year-old’s current deal at the club, which still has three years left to run.

However, whilst that was explored, talks have now been shelved for the time being, which will inevitably lead to questions about Sunderland’s willingness to sell Clarke.

He is not short on admirers either, with Premier League quartet Burnley, Brentford, Everton and Crystal Palace all already submitting offers.

Those offers were nowhere near enough to tempt Sunderland, but the recent developments could suggest the club are at least willing to test the market on one of their top talents.

Clarke himself is extremely happy at Sunderland, as confirmed this week by agent Ian Harte, although he did concede he did not know what the summer will hold for the player.

“Jack loves it at Sunderland and he’s got three years [of his contract] left,” Harte said. “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.

“He loves it. It’s a great group of lads [at Sunderland]. 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.

“All the lads loved [former manager] Alex Neil but since Tony [Mowbray]’s come in it’s moved up a level. He’s a good guy. For young lads, he’s willing to sit down, talk and explain to them how to improve.”

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