“Every player has a price, they need to match the club’s valuation” – Agent says Everton will need to match Sunderland’s valuation of highly rated attacker this summer with player open to Goodison Park move

Jack Clarke’s agent has spoken out after Everton and a host of Premier League clubs were linked with a move for the Sunderland winger.

According to Inews on Monday 5 June, the Mackems could be tempted into conversations if an offer of £15million arrives for the 22-year-old. Clarke’s agent, Ian Harte, has since broken his silence on the latest transfer speculation surrounding his client.

“Every player has a price, they need to match the club’s valuation of the player before we can talk about anything” he told Inews (5 June).

It’s understood neither the player nor his representatives have any control if Sunderland decided to accept an offer.

“I’ve looked after him from a young age. He’s a brilliant person. We’ve got a special team around him, advising him, guiding him,” said Harte.

Everton have to try and test the Mackems’ resolve on this one. Clarke has been one of the Championship’s standout performers during the 2022/23 season. His pace and dribbling ability has proven to be far too much for the majority of second-tier defenders.

There will be plenty of competition for his signature, but this is a move that could pay off in the long term. The board and Kevin Thellwell have to start recruiting in a smarter way.

The Sunderland star would be a long-term investment. He would develop further during his time at Goodison Park and could prove to be an asset. A bit like Amadou Onana is at present.

It’s a transfer strategy we need to see more of. Clarke’s wages would be minimal considering he’s making the step up to the Premier League. This is a move which has to be followed up on. The board would be mad not to advance their interest into a formal bid.