Brentford are reportedly monitoring Sunderland winger Jack Clarke ahead of a potential January swoop.
The Bees have endured a tough 2023/24 Premier League season so far, winning just one of eight games. They were leading 1-0 against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday but threw it away with minutes left as substitute Scott McTominay netted a late brace.
According to The Sun, Brentford would want to improve their attacking options in January by bringing in Sunderland’s Jack Clarke. They were interested in him earlier this year and could now put in a £15million bid for the winger in the winter transfer window.
Clarke, 22, is enjoying an excellent season with Sunderland, registering seven goals in 11 Championship appearances. This term he is proving himself as arguably the best player in the Championship and his scintillating form has helped put Tony Mowbray’s side firmly in the promotion mix once again.
Brentford seem to have reignited their interest in Clarke and they will be even more keen on doing a deal if they can offload Keane Lewis-Potter, the report adds.
Jack Clarke to Brentford—A good option for Thomas Frank?
Brentford surprised many onlookers last season, finishing ninth in the Premier League. Thomas Frank would have hoped for his team to kick on in their third season in the top flight.
However, things have not gone according to the plan for Frank and co. as they find themselves struggling for form in the new campaign. Three losses in the last five games, including the 2-1 heartbreaking loss to Man United, has left Thomas Frank’s side 15th in the table.
In the absence of suspended Ivan Toney, the club’s top scorer last season, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa have shouldered the responsibility of scoring goals. While the duo have stepped up decently, they need more assistance from other attackers who come off the bench. Mikkel Damsgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter have not made any telling contributions so far, with the latter undergoing knee surgery last week.
Thus, it is not surprising to see Brentford looking for attackers to help improve their productivity in front of goal. Jack Clarke has emerged as a potential target for the west London club following his superb start to the Championship campaign.
Clarke seems to have turned around his career at Sunderland, just one year after leaving Tottenham. Predominantly a left-winger, the Englishman can also operate as a wide midfielder or through the middle as a striker, and such versatility could make him a huge asset for a team like Brentford.
In a 4-3-3 system, Jack Clarke could operate on the left flank and use his pace, energy and dribbling skills to stretch opposition defences. As he can also play centrally, the ex-Leeds United man will be a good option to compete with Wissa and Mbeumo.
Clarke’s move to Tottenham might not have worked out, but given the quality of his performances, it seems that the 22-year-old will finally get his chance to play in the Premier League sooner rather than later with Brentford keen to acquire his services. And if the Bees can land him for £15million, it would be another shrewd piece of business.
