According to reports, Premier League teams Brentford and Burnley have their sights set on two promising young talents from Sunderland as potential January signings.
In the upcoming January transfer window, both Brentford and Burnley are closely monitoring two emerging stars from Sunderland. One of these talents is winger Jack Clarke, who gained prominence last season as Sunderland made it to the playoffs. He has continued to impress and currently shares the top spot in Championship goal-scoring with seven goals as of this month’s international break.
Burnley had attempted to acquire the 22-year-old during the summer with an offer totaling £10 million, including various add-ons. However, Sunderland turned down the bid and remained steadfast. Now, journalist Alan Nixon suggests that Brentford is contemplating a £15 million bid to test Sunderland’s determination. Brentford is seeking a winger and may have an even greater need if they lose the highly-rated Keane Lewis-Potter in the upcoming transfer window.
Meanwhile, Nixon also reports that Burnley is closely monitoring the performance of Sunderland’s Northern Ireland international defender, Dan Ballard. The Clarets’ manager, Vincent Kompany, is an admirer of the former Arsenal player. Although Ballard is considered a crucial part of Sunderland’s squad, the 24-year-old signed a new four-year contract with the club in August, extending his commitment until 2027.
Sunderland’s approach is that all their players are available for transfer at the right price. However, the club is in no rush to part ways with key players like Clarke and Ballard. It would require a substantial offer to tempt them to sell. Instead, Sunderland is expected to strengthen its squad in the January transfer window, particularly if they can maintain their current form, which has placed them in fourth position in the table and on track for another shot at the playoffs.