West Ham United is intensifying their pursuit of Sunderland’s attacking talent, Jack Clarke, this January, aiming to secure his signature at the London Stadium for a reported £20m, as per The Mirror’s latest update.

The Hammers, facing the departure of academy graduate Conor Coventry, are under pressure to bring in a homegrown asset this month. Tottenham’s 25% sell-on clause for Clarke could complicate negotiations, with Sunderland likely to drive a tough bargain given the player’s importance to their promotion aspirations.

Despite his earlier stint with Tottenham not materializing, Clarke has flourished at Sunderland, showcasing his prowess with 13 goals this season and remarkable contributions of nine goals and 12 assists in the 2022/23 campaign.

With West Ham facing a shortage of attackers and potential exits for players like Said Benrahma, Maxwel Cornet, and Pablo Fornals, pursuing Clarke makes sense. His age, potential, homegrown status, and quality position him as an ideal target for David Moyes.

The prospect of European football and a return to the Premier League might entice Clarke, who could see this move as an opportunity to fulfill unfinished business.

While Sunderland’s playoff hopes dwindle under new manager Michael Beale, the Black Cats are likely to demand more than the reported £20m for Clarke. West Ham has a history of successfully signing homegrown Championship talents, exemplified by Jarrod Bowen’s impact since his move from Hull City.

However, whether West Ham is willing to make a significant financial commitment at this moment remains uncertain.