Sunderland braced for Southampton interest in top scorer Clarke

The 23 year old winger had netted 15 goals in the Championship by February, before missing the next month through injury.

He returned in April but the Black Cats only scored twice in their last seven matches, with Clarke getting neither. 

The Northern Echo have reported that Sunderland are braced for transfer activity in the summer and Saints are named as suitors.

The Daily Echo understands Clarke is on a list of potential targets but there has so far been no movement to pursue him.

Sunderland's Jack Clarke also scored nine goals and provided 12 assists in the previous 2022/23 Championship season (Image: PA)

Former Leeds United and Tottenham man Clarke was one of the league's top players last season and is keen to move to the top flight.

He has two years remaining on his contract at Stadium of Light, having joined from Spurs for an undisclosed fee in July 2022. 

Spurs paid £10million for the promising Leeds attacker in 2019 but he only made four appearances at the London outfit.

Saints are negotiating with Newcastle United over the permanent transfer of loanee Ryan Fraser, who is keen to remain at St Mary's.

They would likely still want further depth and competition in the wide areas, which someone of Clarke's profile would provide.