Former Sheffield United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United man once signed for £5m still available as free agent

Clark has spent the vast majority of his career in England’s top flight, amassing over 200 appearances in the division.

He spent seven years at Aston Villa before moving to Newcastle United in 2016, sealing the switch for a reported £5m. A further seven years with the Magpies followed before his lengthy association with the club was brought to an end.

He had slipped down the pecking order in the dying embers of his Newcastle stay and was loaned to Sheffield United in the summer of 2022. Clark was afforded just 11 outings for the Blades but did manage two goals during his stint.

A brief spell at Stoke City followed but at the end of last season, Clark joined the lengthy list of players without a club.

At 35, the defender may not be a long-term solution for a club looking to bolster their backline. However, the former Republic of Ireland international boasts pedigree that should arguably not be sniffed at.

Over the summer, he trained as part of a squad of free agents put together by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

While a number of those involved have since found clubs, Clark has been left without a home for the 2024/25 campaign.

Although the summer transfer window has long since closed, Clark is still available to be snapped up due to his free agent status.

It is not uncommon for clubs to dip into the free agent market at this time of year, especially when injury problems begin to bite.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the veteran, although he may just prove to be an appealing option for clubs looking to shore up defensively.