EXCLUSIVE: Sunderland plotting contract talks to fend off Jack Clarke interest

Sunderland have no desire to see Jack Clarke tempted away this summer and are making their move to prevent it.

Sunderland have scheduled contract talks with Jack Clarke this summer as they prepare to fend off Premier League interest in the winger.

Clarke has been one of the stand-out performers in the whole Championship this season, with him adding a goal and an assist at Preston to take his total goal involvements to 23 in all competitions.

That form has not gone unnoticed and it has seen him become one of the most sought-after players in the Championship. Brentford and Crystal Palace are especially keen and the club are bracing themselves for serious interest from both.

Clarke arrived from Tottenham last summer and still has three years left on his current deal, but Sunderland will not rest on their laurels and want a fresh deal that will include a pay rise. It is a similar situation to that of Dan Neil, who also recently signed a new deal despite still having significant term left on his previous contract.

Clarke himself is very happy at Sunderland and in no rush to leave even if the Black Cats’ play-offs bid is unsuccessful. A fresh deal would certainly make it a lot tougher for his head to be turned, though.

"I’m just thankful to the manager for picking me and having faith in me, and for the club for bringing me here and giving me an opportunity to play and show what I can do,” Clarke said after the 3-0 win at Preston.

“I’m very grateful to the manager and the club for putting so much faith in me. I only really think about where I’m playing my football at the minute.

“Tottenham is not really in my mind anymore to be honest. I went there, I tried it and it obviously didn’t work out for whatever reason. Now I’m fully focused on being here.”

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