Sheffield United identify Ipswich Town's ex-Leeds United and Sunderland man Jack Clarke as shock 'target'
Ipswich Town star Jack Clarke reportedly features on a list of potential targets drawn up by Sheffield United.
On paper, it looked as if Sheffield United had conducted some shrewd business over the course of the summer transfer window.
However, a number of the players have not delivered returns on the investment and have consequently found opportunities limited.
One of the summer additions who has failed to make an impact is Louie Barry, who has now been sidelined by injury and looks set for a return to his parent club Aston Villa.
Jack Clarke on the target list
According to The Star, electric winger Clarke is among the players on a list of targets put together by Sheffield United’s recruitment team in conjunction with manager Chris Wilder.
Ipswich forked out £15m to prise Clarke from Sunderland in the summer of 2024, although he could not keep the Tractor Boys in the Premier League.
This season, the 25-year-old has scored seven goals in 22 league appearances for the third-placed Tractor Boys.
Clarke is reportedly a player who will be beyond Sheffield United’s reach, although the link points to an ambition in the Blades camp ahead of the January window.
Sheffield United have already done business with Ipswich this season, having signed Clarke’s fellow wideman Chiedozie Ogbene on a temporary basis.
It has been a tough campaign for the former Rotherham United star, who has been unable to emulate his Millers form for their South Yorkshire neighbours.
Jack Clarke’s career path
Clarke is a dangerous outlet at Championship level, even if he is yet to make the grade at Premier League level.
He enjoyed a breakthrough season at Leeds United during the reign of Marcelo Bielsa, having climbed the youth ranks at Elland Road.
A move to Tottenham Hotspur did not work out, nor did a loan spell back at Leeds and temporary stints at Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.
He resurrected his reputation at Sunderland, scoring 28 goals in 114 appearances for the Black Cats.