Summer window

I agree with you that they must be getting some encouragement from somewhere to keep bidding but there's no way in my opinion that we're accepting anything in that region.

He's young, English, has three years to run on his contract and has just posted tremendous stats and consistently put in brilliant performances in the league. Plus we're not desperate for funds. There's a load of precedent that puts his value way above what you're suggesting there.

Not to mention that Spurs will be receiving a sizeable chunk of any transfer fee we do receive.

I also agree that we need to demonstrate that we won't stand in players' way when favourable transfer opportunities come along but it needs to be an agreement that suits all parties and we need to demonstrate to other potential buyers that we won't have our pants pulled down in the market.

 

I didn't realise that. Im suprised Galatasary have signed him if thats the kind of wages hes on

 

Was only a few weeks ago, Ian Harte his agent was praising the club and telling us how happy Clarke is at Sunderland.

Burnley certainly trying their best to unsettle him with what seems to be the same 10mil bid give a take a few additional add onns.
Maybe Clarke has already agreed a salary with Burnley? This sort of thing seems to happen all the time now

 

I’m also not sure that a player moving to Burnley would be a reason to move here. I agree with what Fell Top is saying but not sure this is a wow move. They will almost certainly finish bottom 7.

 

Bottom three

 

Plot twist - we getting Mbappe on loan.

 

..

I know what you're saying but regardless of the club it's still the Premier League and there's all the exposure that comes with it. He'll be thinking, or more likely be getting told, that it's a chance to further showcase his talents on the biggest stage which will help him get a bigger move the next season if/when Burnley go down.

 

Selling Stewart and Clarke would be a disaster imo.

 

We’ve not had Stewart for prity much a season now so I don’t think it would hurt that much aslong as he’s replaced with someone fit.

 

Yeh agreed, seems like far too much money

 

Clarke yes. Stewart less so.

But as people are saying - that's the model. As much as it feels a year too soon for Clarke & Ballard to go, it presents opportunities for Ba, Bennette & Lihadi, not to mention Seelt/Triantis

 

You rarely hear from agents at all tbh, wouldn't be surprised if the quotes were a subtle hint to SAFC that Clarke has interest from elsewhere.

 

I agree with it all mate. I am not advocating selling him, I just have a sense we might well. If we do the club will no doubt do right for ourselves, I trust them now.

I said earlier on this thread I would take a no installment deal at less money for any player. Lets say Burnley got to the £15m mark good posters are suggesting is our valuation, but it was in 3 £5m installments. Or they went £12 up front with add ons. I would take the latter offer personally. Big difference in terms of how we can then operate in the coming season, and you take away the risk of £5m in a couple of years being worth less. That is part of why I think we may sell a bit lower, along with having to account for the players wishes if he is indeed interested.

Overall I am relaxed about it all. Players will leave and some will develop at such a pace we cany match their ambition, either in levels of play or money. Clarke is probably the first real test for us because of his level, lets see where we end up. I would bet good money we already have targets in mind should he go.

 

The deal will only get done if they meet whatever the clubs valuation of him is

 

That last line is the key. If we bring better in and win more points I’m not that bothered, though I do think too much change isn’t a good thing.

 

Why on earth would the club settle for that when he has three years left? He was worth £10 million when he was 17, to accept such a low figure would be beyond utterly mental by todays player pricing.

 

The club whilst in the championship are a pathway to the Premier league for some players. That is maybe how we attract them in the first place

 

That is very true. No doubt about it. But opposing teams have to pay the going rate. 10m for Clarke isn't it. Simple as that.

 

Quite right mate.

Good coaching and facilities, big crowds, on TV regularly, playing with loanees like Amad, etc ...

... plus the knowledge that the club is run properly.

We're quite a catch

 

Now this does concern me slightly mainly as, if correct, it would explain why Burnley have been bidding in the region they have been.

Based on absolutely nothing beyond wild paranoia, I'd say Ian Harte has a lot to answer for in all of this.