Sunderland did an excellent job in the summer of fending off interest in Jack Clarke.
Clarke had nine goals and 12 assists in the Championship last season, but he didn’t appear rattled by Burnley’s low-ball offers and stayed on Wearside.
Clarke has already nearly matched his goal total from last season, with seven goals in 11 appearances, and attention has returned.
With less than three months until the transfer window reopens, Brentford and Burnley are already planning a January bid for Clarke.
Recent rumours have also suggested that the Black Cats may be willing to accept a deal of approximately £15 million, which supporters will be relieved to hear.
With Mason Burstow failing to make an impact, Sunderland have relied on Clarke for goals and might be left without a serious offensive threat if he leaves in the new year.
Sunderland fans will be hoping they can keep him until at least the summer, but Kristjaan Speakman will have to consider alternative choices if he wants to play in the Premier League.
Here are four (quite ambitious) targets that Sunderland could look at to replace Clarke.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Given their summer interest in the forward, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi would likely be one of the first names on Sunderland’s shortlist.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, where he was crowned Player of the Year after scoring 15 goals and assisting eight times in League One.
Rak-Sakyi was expected to depart on loan during the summer transfer window, however he stayed at Crystal Palace and has made four substitute appearances.
The Eagles may be willing to loan Rak-Sakyi out in January, and his arrival could be a temporary solution to Clarke’s possible departure.
Ben Doak
Given his presence in Liverpool’s senior team this season, signing Ben Doak would be a bold move.
The 17-year-old joined the Reds from Celtic last year and rapidly advanced through the youth ranks before enjoying a successful pre-season with the senior club.Rak-Sakyi was expected to depart on loan during the summer transfer window, however he stayed at Crystal Palace and has made four substitute appearances.
The Eagles may be willing to loan Rak-Sakyi out in January, and his arrival could be a temporary solution to Clarke’s possible departure.
Doak made his Premier League debut in the opening day draw with Chelsea before making his Europa League debut against LASK last month.
The teenager hasn’t played in the Premier League in two months, and Sunderland could try to entice him to join them on loan in the Championship.
He would be a wonderful signing for the Black Cats, yet considering their hectic schedule, it is uncertain whether Jurgen Klopp would be willing to let him go on loan.
Simon Adingra
This could have been a possible loan deal in the summer, but his rise under Roberto De Zerbi makes a move to Wearside seem less likely.
Last season, Simon Adingra scored 23 goals in all competitions while on loan with Union Saint-Gilloise, and it was anticipated that Brighton’s excellent attacking prowess would keep him out of the first squad.
However, the Ivorian has started three games for the Seagulls this season and has already scored two goals, including the opener against Liverpool last weekend.
Adingra would be another fantastic signing for Sunderland, but De Zerbi may be persuaded to keep him after his recent performances.
Oscar Bobb
Oscar Bobb is another young, talented Premier League winger.
The 20-year-old joined Man City’s academy in 2019 and was awarded the club’s greatest young talent in his age group by The Guardian.
Bobb wowed the U21 team last season, scoring six goals and dishing out 17 assists in the PL2 Division 1.
Pep Guardiola was impressed by the Norwegian’s performances, and he made his Premier League debut last month before making a cameo appearance in the Champions League.
Bobb is undoubtedly gifted, but he is nowhere near a consistent spot in the starting lineup. Pep may be inclined to loan him out in January, and I’m sure he’s heard excellent things about the Black Cats.
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