After Mike Dodds’ interim tenure ends at the end of the current campaign, Sunderland will concentrate on finding a new manager; yet, the Black Cats have been identified as possible suitors for the ideal Jack Clarke replacement.
Sunderland transfer news
Ever since Sunderland parted ways with Tony Mowbray, they have been through a nightmare. Initially, Michael Beale took over, a terrible and brief appointment. Sunderland has now lost six straight games in the Championship as a result of their decision to continue with Dodds on an interim basis until the end of the campaign.
Hardly advertising themselves well in the shop window for new managers, the Black Cats have been linked with the likes of Paul Heckingbottom, Steve Cooper and Marek Papszun, but are yet to get any closer to finding a permanent solution. Meanwhile, what hasn’t helped is speculation over the future of Jack Clarke.
With West Ham United, Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur all linked with moves for the winger, Sunderland could be forced to sell in a deal reportedly worth over £20m. Potentially needing to replace the winger, Carlton Palmer has tipped Sunderland to be among the clubs chasing Mikey Johnston.
Currently starring on loan from Celtic at West Bromwich Albion, Johnston may well end up staying in England’s second tier. Palmer told Football League World: “He’s had a fantastic time since joining from Celtic on loan.
Indeed, many teams will be observing how he plays, so you’ll be looking at teams that are considering players moving on. Players like Jack Clarke and [Jon] Rowe will be leaving, and Mikey Johnston will be considered as a potential replacement. However, considering his stellar performance for West Bromwich Albion, Norwich, Sunderland, and other potential Championship clubs will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on the issue.
“Considering his performance in the Championship, I believe Celtic will be looking at at least £2m or £3m, so I don’t think Johnston will fall into Sunderland’s strategy of trying to sign young players and get them in cheap.
“We’ll see at the end of the season, but he’s definitely done excellent things at West Brom and [is] drawing a lot of interest, so whether Sunderland have the money to pay that, Norwich do have the money to pay for Mikey Johnston.”
“Fantastic” Johnston is a ready-made Clarke replacement
Johnston would be a ready-made successor for Clarke as he heads for the exit, even if he is older than the club’s typical target age range and had a stellar season at the Hawthorns. In just nine Championship appearances, the Celtic loanee has scored six goals and provided one assist.
While Clarke has scored 15 goals in 33 Championship appearances, it will be challenging to replace him during the summer transfer window, particularly if Johnston isn’t the player the Stadium of Light chooses. Furthermore, Sunderland would be getting a great deal for the West Brom loanee for about £3 million.
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