Crystal Palace have now been named as having a keen interest in Sunderland gem Jack Clarke but will face interest from PL rivals.
The attack at Selhurst Park is in a weird situation with such talent on one hand but then on the other, some serious reinforcements are needed.
The likes of Jeffery Schlupp and Andre Ayew are long-term Crystal Palace men but both fail to inspire and will always remind fans of Roy Hodgson.
This is why it’s vital the club refresh the attack while hopefully keeping Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze along with youngsters Matheus Franca and Naouirou Ahamada both breaking through in 2024.
But with the thinking that the left flank could require some reinforcements, the idea of Sunderland’s Jack Clarke playing there is exciting.
Now he’s once more been linked with Palace, here’s the latest…
Crystal Palace weighing up Jack Clarke move
As the midway point of the January transfer window fast approaches, links are heating up and now Clarke has been tipped as a target for at least five Premier League clubs.
The Standard reports that Clarke has; Palace, West Ham and Brentford all weighing up moves in January, along with at least two clubs who haven’t been named.
The report states that a bid north of £20m would absolutely be enough to tempt the Black Cats into selling.
Clarke has had a phenomenal season in the Championship for Sunderland to date despite the troubles the club have faced.
The ‘dazzling‘ winger won the EFL Player of the Month award for September and would be a brilliant addition to Hodgson’s ranks.
Why Clarke would be perfect for Palace
One area which has seen Palace struggle all season under Hodgson is in goal scoring and with Olise now out again, this will only get worse.
Clarke has scored 12 goals in the Championship this term in 26 games along with two assists, all from the wing.
If he was able to translate this form to the Premier League he’d be a deadly proposition for Palace to play on the left.
One concern would be that he looked outclassed when coming up against Kieran Trippier – completed zero of five dribbles – last weekend in the FA Cup. Although after some adjustment time, he could find it’s a different story so this shouldn’t put any club off.
