Sunderland join race for Ciaran Clark
Sunderland have entered the fray alongside West Bromwich Albion to sign Aston Villa defender Ciaran Clark.
John Percy from the Telegraph reports how Sunderland have emerged as a potential suitor for Clark who is believed to have a £5-million release clause.
Clark who is currently on international duty with Ireland ahead of their Euro 2016 campaign only made 23 appearances last season for the Villans in a frustrating season which saw both Remi Garde and Tim Sherwood opt for Joleon Lescott, Micah Richards and Jores Okore over the Villa academy graduate.
The 26-year old came through Aston Villa’s academy before making his first-team debut in 2009 under Martin O’Neill. Since first appearing in a claret and blue shirt he has racked up an impressive 130 appearances, but for the amount of games he has played the fans are still not quite convinced of his ability.
He played for England at all levels of youth football before opting to play for the Republic of Ireland on the bigger stage.
Did you know
Ciaran Clark began his career as a midfielder and played the majority of his youth career at defensive midfield before Martin O’Neill put him in defence when he was called upon in the first team.