Everton: Jack Clarke transfer ‘inevitable’, it will take £20m+ to sign him from Sunderland
Carlton Palmer believes it’s “inevitable” that Jack Clarke will leave Sunderland for a Premier League club amid interest from Everton in signing him.
Speaking to Football League World on Friday (12 January), the pundit said it will take more than £20million for the Black Cats to sell the 23-year-old and that a move probably won’t take place until the summer.
It comes after the Northern Echo reported on Wednesday (10 January) that as many as six clubs, including the Toffees, are monitoring the English winger’s situation with the Championship side.
“Southampton and Leicester have joined the race to sign Sunderland’s Jack Clarke,” said Palmer. “The 23-year-old had a fantastic 22/23 season, and he’s playing even better in this current campaign. The talented winger has scored 12 goals so far, Sunderland’s leading goalscorer.
“If Sunderland were to sell in January it would take a bid in excess of £20million, which Southampton and Leicester would be capable of paying. But it just would not make sense for Jack to move to another Championship club in January when the likes of West Ham, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Everton and Bournemouth are all keen to acquire his services.
“I think it’s inevitable that Jack will move on from Sunderland to a Premier League club, but I think this is more than likely to happen in the summer.
“Jack has two-and-a-half years left on his contract, Sunderland are in the driving seat and Jack is happy and playing well. So the only thing that changes is a huge offer received by Sunderland.”
Not happening
There looks to be no chance that Everton are going to be spending more than £20million on anyone during this transfer window despite their interest in Clarke.
That is down to a number of factors as the club are currently not in a strong enough position financially to be taking risks on any potential signings.
The 10-point deduction the Toffees were handed in November is another reason why they won’t be looking to spend much – if any – money this month as they will be wary about their their financial fair play position.
If a takeover does go through in the next few months, though, and more cash is made available to Sean Dyche in the summer, then a deal for the winger is one they could potentially revisit.
But until then, the Blues boss is probably going to have to continue trying to get the most out of what he’s got at his disposal as he looks to help them fight off relegation again this season.
In other Everton news, a journalist has told Jim White what he’s heard about the Toffees’ interest in a forward.