Romano hands West Ham surprise transfer boost in pursuit of €30m star

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 28 Jan 2024 19:23 GMT
• 3 min read

West Ham United have been handed a surprise boost in their pursuit of Sunderland star Jack Clarke.

The 23-year-old has 13 goals and three assists in 29 Championship games so far this season and his form has attracted serious transfer interest from the Premier League.

FootballTransfers understand that West Ham and Crystal Palace are both interested in signing him as they look to sign forward reinforcements in 2024.

Clarke’s possible arrival at the London Stadium could push Lucas Paqueta back inside to his more natural centre midfield position, while the Englishman would become Wilfried Zaha’s replacement at Selhurst Park, following the Ivorian’s summer move to Galatasaray.

However, West Ham and Crystal Palace aren’t the only clubs keen on signing Clarke, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed that an unnamed Serie A side have seen a bid turned down for the Sunderland winger.

The transfer expert reported on X: “Understand Sunderland consider Jack Clarke not for sale in the January transfer window.

“Formal proposal from Italy worth €16m package has been rejected yesterday.

“Price in the summer likely to be around €30m… but #SAFC plan to keep Clarke if they get promoted.”

Why West Ham should sign Sunderland’s Jack Clarke

Sunderland are under no immediate pressure to let Clarke go as he is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2026.

However, West Ham should push to sign him in 2024 amid serious competition for his signature.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United winger has 13 goals and three assists in 29 Championship appearances in 2023-24, and he is currently Sunderland’s top goal-scorer in all competitions.

The 23-year-old has stepped up following the end of Amad Diallo’s loan spell at the club and has been Sunderland’s standout performer this term.

Crucially, he would be an upgrade on Said Benrahma, who has been underwhelming since his move from Brentford and has been linked with a January exit.

West Ham need attacking reinforcements amid Michail Antonio’s fitness issues and Benrahma’s possible departure, and Clarke fits the bill perfectly.

Furthermore, the Hammers have enjoyed real success in buying from the Championship in recent years, as seen by the addition of Jarrod Bowen from Hull City, and Clarke could be the next to follow suit.