Burnley target Jack Clarke has been told that he will not be able to leave the Stadium of Light this summer as Sunderland hold firm on the youngster.
According to Sports Illustrated, the player was told he would be able to depart the Black Cats this summer should they receive a bid of £10million or more. The Clarets did just that, but their offer was rejected leaving Clarke angered at the situation.
It was the latest of several bids from Vincent Kompany’s side for the 22-year-old, but it looks as though that is where the pursuit of the former Tottenham Hotspur man may have to end.
Sunderland are determined to keep hold of the winger, even if it is not what the Englishman wants himself, having told him definitively that he is not for sale this summer.
Clarke has another three years left on his contract after signing a four-year deal with the Black Cats last summer. Registering nine goals and 12 assists in the Championship last season, another impressive haul this campaign would only increase his valuation further should Burnley, or any side for that matter, come calling again.
It is clear that the youngster wants Premier League football, and he is bound to be hungry for top flight action following his failed stint with Spurs where he failed to make an appearance in the league.
What is next for Clarke?
Black Cats boss Alex Neil hailed the quality of Clarke in their promotion season after their play-off semi-final victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
“Jack has got good quality,” said Neil.
“He can take the ball, he can dribble, he can go past people, and those kind of players are really useful to have in the team and he delivered the moment we needed.”
It does not look likely that Clarke will make the Turf Moor move this summer, but who knows what could happen in the future whether that be now, January or next summer.
We all know how quickly things can change in the market, so this could still be a deal to keep an eye on.