Jack Clarke claims all current focus is on Sunderland‘s pre-season preparations amidst recent rumours linking the Black Cats winger with a move away from the club.
Despite clear recent interest from both European and Premier League sides, reports indicate that newly promoted Premier League side Southampton are monitoring the situation, with Lazio also sure to make another move for the player following a failed effort just 12 months ago.
Clarke’s current contract situation is currently up in the air, with just two years left on his current deal. Negotiations have been going on in the background to potentially secure the English youngster down to a long-term deal. This could potentially be a cause for concern for the Black Cats, with the 23-year-old potentially running down his deal, yet Sunderland are reported to be unmoved by the situation, wanting to keep hold of their biggest talent for another season.
Following the recent appointment of Régis Le Bris from FC Lorient, Clarke appears to be happy with the direction the club is going under the Frenchman, according to Daniel Wales on X, the English winger had a lot of positive things to say about his expectations under the new head coach.
“It’ll help me thrive but I also think it should help the whole team thrive once we’ve got complete clarity and understanding of what he wants.”
Following Sunderland’s recent 2-1 loss to National League side Gateshead FC, the 23-year-old offered comments to the Northern Echo amidst recent speculation about the wingers’ future.
“Obviously that interest has been there but it doesn’t affect me. I’m still wearing a red and white shirt at the end of the day. That’s what I’m focusing on. As long as I’m in a red and white shirt, that’s all I’ll be focusing on.
“I’m coming in every single day, wearing Sunderland colours every day. As long as I’m playing for Sunderland I won’t be thinking about anything else.
“If things are going to happen then they’re going to happen when they happen. I’m not focusing on anything else other than the present and in the present I’m playing for Sunderland.”
Sunderland have already been making moves in the transfer market under the Frenchman, following the recent signing of Republic of Ireland international Alan Browne, Le Bris claims that there is still much to come from the Black Cats this summer.
“We are thinking about one or two more experienced players, who know the Championship very well, for example, and have high standards when it comes to training,” said Le Bris. “They can help dictate the way of playing and lead the team during the game.”
According to Dominic Shaw from The Echo, Le Brís is uncertain whether stars Clarke and Jobe Bellingham will stay at the club this summer, but the Frenchman will certainly be hoping that last season’s top goal scorer will be a part of his squad next season.
Writer’s View
By Jack Clarke’s own words, fans of the Black Cats will surely have their minds put at ease. Following a tumultuous season full of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, Sunderland fans might finally see some light at the end of the tunnel under Régis Le Bris.
Of course, questions will remain over the future of their talisman. However, for now, it appears the winger is only looking forward to the future of the club and nothing else. Maybe it’s time Sunderland fans look forward to a brighter future as well.
