Summerville made his competitive debut for West Ham on Saturday evening when he came off the bench for the Hammers in a 2-1 home defeat to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, following his £25m move to London.
Georginio Rutter is set to follow Summerville to the Premier League with a £40m switch to Brighton set to be announced in the coming hours. The Frenchman becomes the eighth player to be sold this summer.
Leeds have cash and need replacements, then. Saturday’s 0-0 draw with West Brom, while a solid result, underlined the need for attacking recruits before the August 30 deadline and Daniel Farke wants action.
Leeds not alone in pursuit of Sunderland star Jack Clarke
Described as “unplayable”, 23-year-old Clarke could find himself back at Elland Road before the deadline. It is five years since Clarke was sold to Tottenham for £10m and loaned back to Leeds for half a season.
That initial season at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa saw him shine, but he struggled in subsequent loans at Leeds, Stoke and QPR before joining Sunderland where he has not disappointed, reigniting his career.
Clarke has 50 goals and assists in 113 Sunderland outings and clubs are interested. Leeds are said to be ‘aware’ of Thorp Arch product Clarke, who is believed to be rated at a whopping £25m by The Black Cats.
But Leeds are not alone in pursuit of Clarke. The Sunday Mirror report (18/08, p69) that Leeds are in the race for Clarke alongside Russell Martin’s Southampton and Serie A giants Lazio, after January interest.
If Leeds get Clarke, then maybe fans can start to forgive
Losing Summerville was expected at Leeds this summer, but the departures of Gray and Rutter have stung. Leeds fans had not expected them to go, while Wilfried Gnonto had been but he remains so far.
Leeds fans deserve some excitement after a poor start to the season and the news of three of their best players departing. They need a big signing and getting a player like Clarke would certainly be that.
Not simply because he’s probably the next-best option in The Championship after Summerville, but also because there is the obvious connection between Clarke and Leeds. Leeds fans would start to forgive.
There is certainly a chance of a deal, too. Sunderland are trying to tie Clarke down to a new contract but are said to be ‘struggling’ to meet the wide man’s terms and that could mean an exit is on the cards.
