West Ham are one of several Premier League clubs involved in a scramble to try and sign Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper’s print edition (page 53, 11 January) has revealed that the Hammers are actively pursuing the signing of Clarke. However, they are facing competition from Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford in the race to secure the 23-year-old’s signature.
David Moyes’ team is feeling the urgency to bolster their attacking lineup following injuries to Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, the latter expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Additionally, Mohammed Kudus is currently away with Ghana for the African Cup of Nations. This situation has left the Hammers with a severe shortage of attacking options. Despite Clarke’s impressive performances this season, Sunderland is not compelled to sell, adding to the challenge for West Ham.
Difficult
Securing this deal won’t be a straightforward task, especially during the January transfer window. While West Ham may not be overly concerned about competition from Sheffield United, Palace, and Brentford, given their ability to offer European football and make themselves an attractive option, the potential hurdle lies in Sunderland’s willingness to cooperate.
Clarke has emerged as a standout performer for the Black Cats this season, leading their goal-scoring charts with 12 goals in the Championship. Sunderland currently holds a playoff position, sitting sixth in the table, and is unlikely to be eager to part ways with their star player as they aim for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Moyes, looking to strengthen his squad, may be interested in bringing Clarke from his former club, although it would likely require a substantial transfer fee. However, given the current injury challenges faced by Moyes’ team, paying that fee might become a necessity if West Ham intends to maintain their impressive season momentum.
