What Sunderland’s manager said about Jack Clarke earlier this month as Leeds eye move

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Leeds United are firmly interested in a move to lure Jack Clarke back to Elland Road from Sunderland and Black Cats manager Regis Le Bris commented on his future earlier this month.

Clarke, 23, is viewed as one of the best wingers outside of the Premier League. Following the exit of The Championship Player of the Season Crysencio Summerville to West Ham, Leeds need a big-name winger.

Of course, Clarke would be considered a homegrown talent at Leeds given he is a product of the Thorp Arch academy. Last season, Clarke had a hand in 19 Championship goals in a difficult Sunderland season.

Leeds are interested in signing Clarke, and Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Clarke would be keen on a return to Elland Road. The transfer expert told us a fee of £20m would get a deal completed.

• READ MORE: How much Tottenham would be owed if Clarke was to join Leeds for £20m

Regis Le Bris discussed Clarke’s Sunderland future this month

Coincidentally, French boss Le Bris was linked with a move to Leeds before Daniel Farke was hired by The 49ers. It came after Le Bris impressed at Lorient during 2022-23, guiding his side to ninth in Ligue 1.

But last season, a lack of investment and losing key players saw Le Bris unarmed in Lorient’s fight against relegation. He has made a super start at Sunderland with two league wins from two, and two clean sheets.

Speaking earlier this month, Le Bris commented on the future of “phenomenal” winger Clarke amid interest from Premier League clubs before Leeds were supposedly interested in the York-born attacker.

As per Sunderland AFC News, he said: “It’s not a problem during a transfer window. At the end, the club is strong and able to build a strong team with these kind of players. Jack is able to continue to grow here.

“To become a very good player in the Premier League, I hope with Sunderland. Because we have many good players and many speculations, it is normal, not a problem for me,” Le Bris said on Clarke’s future.

Mateusz Klich thinks Clarke would be a good signing for Leeds

The Poland star remains an icon at Elland Road but since his exit from Leeds in January 2023 under Jesse Marsch, he has become a Leeds fan if anything. He remains at MLS side DC United, clocking up 62 games.

A Leeds fanpage posted a picture on Instagram of an edit that includes Clarke with half a Sunderland shirt on, and half a Leeds one. Polish ace Klich clearly likes the look of Clarke, liking the Instagram post.

Leeds have plenty to do between now and the August 30 deadline with Farke requesting four signings. A new full-back to cover Junior Firpo, Sam Byram and Jayden Bogle and another option in central midfield.

Farke also wants replacements for Summerville – which could be in the form of Clarke – and Georginio Rutter, who joined Brighton for a fee of £40m from Leeds on Monday night to the frustrated of fans.

Leeds are next in action on Friday night when they go to Sheffield Wednesday, a side that Sunderland smashed 4-0 on Sunday thanks to a Clarke-inspired performance under the guidance of Le Bris.