West Ham United are ready to step up their interest in Sunderland striker Jack Clarke this month, according to the Mirror.

The newspaper (13 January) said the Hammers are ready to step on the gas and seal the signing of Clarke, who is valued at £20m at the Stadium of Light in London.

It is believed the east Londoners are under pressure to sign a homegrown asset this month, with the departure of academy graduate Conor Coventry to Charlton Athletic announced on Friday (12 January).

Tottenham reportedly have a 25 per cent sell-on clause for Clarke, meaning Sunderland are likely to strike a tough bargain for Clarke, who remains key to their faint hopes of promotion.

It’s worth a try:

Clarke is certainly not one of those talents who first burst onto the scene, as clubs and fans were used to his immense talent even before his failed transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.

Since joining Sunderland, however, he has taken his game to a whole new level, scoring 13 goals already this season after recording an incredible nine goals and 12 assists in the 2022/23 season.

West Ham United are currently in desperate need of strikers, with Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet and Pablo Fornals all linked with January departures, and Clarke would be an ideal choice for David Moyes given his age, potential, domestic status and quality.

It is also not out of the question that the former Tottenham striker will be delayed by the move, as he will have the chance to play European football and in the Premier League, where he will feel like unfinished business.

Sunderland’s chances of qualifying for the play-offs are diminishing by the week due to their poor form under new manager Michael Beale, which could influence Clarke’s decision, but the Black Cats are likely to ask for more than the £20m they have quoted.

At the London Stadium, signing homegrown talent from the Championship has always been the way to go, just look at Jarrod Bowen, who moved from Hull City at the time, but it’s unlikely the Irons will be willing to pay big money now.