Blues 'Preparing Move' For Sunderland's Clarke - Ipswich Town News
Town are reported to be ready to make a bid for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke.
According to iNews, the Blues are preparing a move for the 23-year-old, who the Black Cats are said to value at around £18 million, although other sources claim £25 million.
We understand there is something in the reported interest with Town looking to add to their left-sided forward ranks this summer, a deal to sign Hull City’s Jaden Philogene having recently fallen through, the former England U21 international instead opting to rejoin his previous club Aston Villa.
York-born Clarke joined the Leeds United academy in 2009 and went on to make his first steps in senior football with the Whites in 2018, going on to make five starts and 20 sub appearances, scoring two goals.
His performances for the West Yorkshiremen led to an £8,500,000 move to Tottenham in July 2019, after Town boss Kieran McKenna had left the North Londoners.
Spells on loan back at Leeds, QPR, Stoke and Sunderland followed before the switch to Wearside was made permanent in July 2022, signing a four-year deal.
Tottenham are reported to have a 40 per cent sell-on from that deal, although we understand the percentage is actually 25 per cent.
Lazio, West Ham United and Southampton have previously been linked with Clarke, who scored 15 times and recorded four assists last season.
Overall for Sunderland, the former England U20 international has made 88 starts and four sub appearances, scoring 26 times.
What to read next:
McKenna: A Tough Game, an Increase in ChallengeManager Kieran McKenna felt today’s 3-0 victory away against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre was a tough game and an increase in challenge in the final fixture of pre-season and has been pleased with the way preparations for the campaign ahead have gone over the last few weeks.
McKenna: Townsend and Philogene Injuries Don't Look GreatBlues boss Kieran McKenna says the injuries suffered by Conor Townsend and Jaden Philogene don’t look great, while Leif Davis missed out due to a knock and Harry Clarke could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but keeper Aro Muric is making good progress.
McKenna Tight-Lipped on Hackney and CajusteTown boss Kieran McKenna remained tight-lipped when quizzed on the Blues’ approach for last season’s loanee Jens Cajuste and also Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney’s decision to remain with the Teessiders.
AJ Auxerre 0-3 Ipswich Town - Match ReportGoals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves and Ali Al-Hamadi saw Town to a 3-0 victory over French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Hirst put the Blues in front on 38 and Greaves added the second with a header from a free-kick in first-half injury time, before Al-Hamadi added the third with five minutes remaining of the match.
AJ Auxerre 0-2 Ipswich Town - Half-TimeGoals from George Hirst and Jacob Greaves have given Town a 2-0 half-time lead against French Ligue 1 side Auxerre in their final pre-season friendly at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.