Club has gotten possible replacement for Burnley target

Jack Clarke’s contract expires in January, so Sunderland will be hoping to keep him on.

Following a few difficult years with Tottenham Hotspur, the winger has returned to his best at the Stadium of Light.

After becoming a permanent member of the Black Cats in the summer of 2022, Clarke adapted to the team’s way of life quite well, playing a key role in the team’s run to the Championship play-offs.

The club’s success was largely due to him and Amad Diallo, and after Sunderland failed to qualify for the Premier League, rumors began to circulate that teams were considering signing Clarke.

Burnley and Brentford showed the greatest interest, and it’s not out of the question that they might make another appearance in January.

What is the latest on Jack Clarke’s future at Sunderland?

Back in the summer, it was believed that Burnley made a £10 million offer for Sunderland’s Clarke.

Evidently, no agreement was reached, and Clarke has persisted in entertaining the Black Cats. However, a report from a source claims that Brentford and Burnley are still interested.

Indeed, it states that Burnley has been monitoring Clarke and has been pleased with his early-season performance. Sunderland is preparing for interest at the beginning of the new year, as Brentford is still eager on the 22-year-old.

Though, should an offer be made, Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray hasn’t ruled out Clarke departing the team in January.

Who could replace Jack Clarke at Sunderland should he leave?

Having said that, Sunderland might already be considering Clarke’s successor and won’t have to search far because they might already have one on file.

Jewison Bennette was acquired by Sunderland from Herediano in the summer of last year, and the winger made an impression in his debut year.

Throughout his fifteen league games, he recorded one assist and one goal. Bennette has been given time to adjust to a new league by the Black Cats, and it appears that this strategy is paying off.

According to WhoScored.com, he averaged 0.4 shots per game, 0.5 dribbles, and 0.2 critical passes last season, displaying flashes of his potential.

Although he has been sidelined by injury this season, he has demonstrated in his games that he has all the makings of an extremely intriguing offensive prospect for them.

Because of Clarke’s performances this season, Bennette is obviously having difficulty getting regular minutes, but when he has played, he has electrified fans and shown a lot of promise.

Although Bennette is still young and needs more time to mature and adjust to the English game, if Clarke were to depart in January, Bennette might be able to save Sunderland some money because he has everything needed to succeed Clarke.

Like Clarke now, Bennette is quick both with and without the ball, has an eye for goal, and can take players on.

Mowbray should take Bennette’s ability to replace Clarke into consideration if the 22-year-old decides to leave the team, even though it will take time.