Sunderland are hoping Tottenham will make a decision on Jack Clarke’s future before the club’s pre-season tour of South Korea later this month, according to The Northern Echo.
The Black Cats are said to be keen on signing Clarke, 21, on a permanent deal this summer (Craig Hope) after he spent the second half of last season on loan at the Stadium of Light.
The England youth international played a key role in the club’s promotion success as they reached the Championship with victory in the League One play-off final in May.
But with Clarke returning to parent club Tottenham, Sunderland’s pursuit of a transfer is not expected to come easily with pre-season training and friendlies fast-approaching.
The Northern Echo claim Sunderland are now waiting for Spurs to make their final decision regarding Clarke to see if he is included in Antonio Conte’s pre-season squad for their tour of South Korea.
The Championship side want to learn if the winger will be included in the Italian’s thoughts for their trip on July 9 with the choice potentially having a big impact on their transfer plans.
Clarke’s potential selection for the tour could mean he will return to the UK less than two weeks before the start of the Football League campaign.
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Meanwhile, Sunderland manager Alex Neil is said to be keen on him having him prepare with his side in Portugal instead if he is allowed to leave Spurs.
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Clarke had a good spell towards the end of his stint with Sunderland and that seems to have convinced them of pursuing a permanent transfer.
If Spurs do want to offload him this summer, then it might be wise to leave him out of the pre-season squad to get the deal over the line. But again, he could very well be included as Conte will want to evaluate every player at his disposal.
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