Sunderland 'eyeing new Jack Clarke contract amid Burnley interest'

The former England youth international enjoyed a stellar campaign at the Stadium of Light last season, scoring nine goals and 11 assists, helping the Black Cats reach the playoffs on their return to the Championship.

Clarke has continued his good form during the new term, with the 22-year-old making the net ripple on eight occasions in 13 Championship matches as Sunderland look to gain promotion to the Premier League.

The attacker's performances saw him pick up the second tier's Player of the Month award for September — a period in which he scored six goals, including braces against Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.

According to the Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are very keen on keeping Clarke past the upcoming January and summer windows, with the Black Cats set to step up their efforts to retain the player.

The report claims that Tony Mowbray's men are looking to offer the winger fresh terms at the Stadium of Light, amid interest for the Englishman's services from a number of top-flight clubs.

Clarke's current deal in the North-East expires during the summer of 2026, meaning that Sunderland are under no pressure to sell him soon, however it is understood that the Black Cats want the player to commit his long-term future to the team.

After moving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur for the second half of Sunderland's 2021-22 promotion-winning season, the winger made the permanent switch from North London for £1m in July 2022.

Following such a productive season for Mowbray's side, it is believed that Burnley submitted multiple bids for Clarke — with one totalling £10m — however