Ipswich Town interested in Sunderland winger Jack Clarke

The skilful left-winger, 23, contributed 15 goals (five of them penalties) and four assists for a Black Cats side that finished 16th in the Championship table last season.

The Sunderland Echo, in a follow-up story, says that 'Ipswich's interest in Clarke is genuine, though it is unclear whether they have sent a formal bid yet'. They add that 'the Black Cats are unlikely to sell for anything less than £25m'.

Blues boss Kieran McKenna is looking to strengthen that area of his squad.

Nathan Broadhead is a doubt for the season opener against Liverpool, at Portman Road, on August 17 after suffering an injury in pre-season.

Town were recently beaten to the signing of Jaden Philogene by Aston Villa, while it's understood a £6m bid for Blackburn star Sammie Szmodics has been rejected.

STU'S VERDICT

Clarke ticks all of the 'young, hungry, athletic and technical' boxes that Kieran McKenna has outlined.

- He was schooled by fitness freak Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds (as was Leif Davis).

- He is a former England youth international (like Ben Johnson, Axel Tuanzebe, Omari Hutchinson, George Hirst and Liam Delap).

- He'll been keen to prove he can play in the Premier League having not quite made the grade at Tottenham.

- At 23 years old, he has good room for development.

- He's versatile. Primarily a left-winger, he can also play on the right or up front.

- He's a dynamic, exciting player who's fun to watch - something McKenna values highly.

Town spent £18m - with the potential to rise to £22m - on Omari Hutchinson. Would they go above that for Clarke? He's more experienced, but has less time on his contract (two years). 

He looks a better fit than Szmodics, who is 28 and always been a Championship/League One player, but is he worth double the amount? That's the question as Ipswich carefully decide how best to use the remainder of their budget.

Remember, centre-midfield and striker are also still areas of the squad that need spending on.