Everton are now reportedly interested in Sunderland forward Jack Clarke who has had a stellar season in the Championship.
Valued at £15m by the Black Cats, Clarke scored an impressive 11 goals and provided 13 assists as Sunderland reached the play-offs.
Indeed, such a campaign has seen the 22-year-old become one of the most sought-after players in the Championship, with Crystal Palace, Brentford and Burnley among the clubs chasing his signature.
That is according to inews, who report that Everton may see the youngster as a solution to the goalscoring issues that have plagued Goodison Park recently.
It would not be Clarke’s first endeavour into Premier League football should he take the step up however, and he will be hopeful for a better period this time around.
Clarke could be creative spark Everton need to bring goals back to Goodison
Joining Spurs from Leeds United for a fee of £10m in 2019, Clarke was then immeditaley loaned back to Bielsa’s side. Though considered a bright prospect, his career never got off the ground in the capital.
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A series of loan deals followed as Clarke was further loaned out to QPR, Stoke City and Sunderland, where he would eventually sign permanently last summer for an undisclosed fee.
Signing a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light just 12 months ago, it is no surprise that Sunderland would put such a steep valuation on a player of such potential.
Indeed, Clarke’s raw ability has made him a hit in the north east, and his creative flair would not doubt earn him many admirers at Goodison Park, should the Blues land his signature.
Everton need a complete reboot throughout the squad, but attacking players are of particular significance this summer as the club can ill-afford to repeat mistakes of years gone by.
A lack of threat up front threatened Everton’s Premier League status once again last season and it is an issue that must be rectified this window.