LATEST UPDATE: Lazio is monitoring Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland in preparation for the summer window.

A European team keeping an eye on the Sunderland pair ahead of the summer transfer season

Lazio is still interested in Jack Clarke of Sunderland, and they also want Jobe Bellingham, his colleague, before the summer transfer window opens.

Plans for Sunderland’s summer transfers
Considering that the Black Cats fired Michael Beale after just two months at the Stadium of Light, it’s safe to say that 2024 has been a complete bust for the team.

But his exit hasn’t led to a revival, as assistant Mike Dodds has taken over for the rest of the season.

Championship Table (As it stands March 11th)

Team

P

GD

Pts

9

Preston North End

36

-6

53

10

Cardiff City

37

-6

53

11

Middlesbrough

36

0

50

12

Sunderland

37

3

47

13

Bristol City

37

-1

47

14

Watford

37

1

45

15

Swansea City

37

-12

43

16

Millwall

37

-12

43

However, since Dodds took over, they have dropped four straight games, putting them on a six-game losing streak and eliminating any hope they had of finishing in the top six.

Sunderland may have to sell off a few important players in the summer as a result of their failure to secure promotion.

Lazio pursuing Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke
Given his stellar play this season for the Wearside team and the fact that the team’s losing streak coincides with his injury, Clarke is the clear favorite to go on.

In 33 Championship games, Clarke has netted 15 goals, and his success in January has won him many fans. West Ham and Crystal Palace were rumored to be interested in the former Leeds player, while Lazio had a bid for him rejected.

Furthermore, the Italian powerhouses have not given up on Clarke, according to Corriere dello Sport, who was cited by Sport Witness. They might make another move with an offer in the summer.

The update also mentions Jobe Bellingham as a player they are interested in, however it is acknowledged that landing the England youth international could be challenging.

Sunderland contracts for Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke
It is to Sunderland’s relief that Clarke’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, meaning they won’t have to sell this summer. Bellingham, meantime, is bound for more than that year.

As a result, if they do decide to sell, they ought to be able to fetch high prices for their best players.

Keeping Clarke will probably be more difficult because, according to his agent Ian Harte, the player plans to leave in the summer. Clarke is undoubtedly capable of playing at a higher level.

Tensions between Sunderland’s owners and
There will be a lot of pressure on Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman to make corrections in advance of a busy summer, given the way this campaign has gone.

The primary focus will be on the appointment of the new head coach. After that, it will be about making wise transfers, since most supporters are aware that there will be some significant exits. This should guarantee that funds are available to bolster the team.

First things first: with nine games remaining, Dodds will be motivated to close the season out strong. The team returns to play this weekend when they host a struggling QPR.