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Jack Clarke reveals lofty ambitions as winger leaves Tottenham for Sunderland

Jack Clarke has completed his move to Sunderland on a loan deal until the end of the season  – and the winger cannot wait to get started.

Clarke signed for Spurs from Leeds in 2019 for a fee in the region of £10m. He had come through the ranks with the West Yorkshire outfit before making 25 senior appearances. They took him back on loan for the 2019-20 season, but that was where things started to go wrong.

Despite featuring fairly frequently the year before, there was little space back at Leeds for Clarke. He played just once more in the Championship and twice in the Carabao Cup before his loan was cut short.

Clarke has since endured loan spells with QPR (for the remainder of that season) and Stoke City (for the second half of the 2020-21 campaign).

The stint with QPR was similarly tricky, bringing just seven appearances. However, things were slightly better in Stoke, where he played 14 times before an injury.

The 21-year-old has been back at Tottenham since the summer, although he is yet to play in the Premier League. His only appearance this season came as a substitute in a Europa Conference League loss to Pacos Ferreira back in August.

However, it emerged earlier this week that Sunderland were keen to rescue him from his struggles at Spurs.

And, having passed a medical on Wearside, the Black Cats were able to present their new man on loan for the remainder of the season.

Clarke dreaming of promotion

Speaking to the club’s official website, Clarke says he’s dreaming of helping Sunderland to promotion.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’m from this part of the world. I know this is a massive club and what it means to the fans.

“I’m looking forward to playing at the Stadium of Light. And the prospect of being part of the team that takes the club back to the Championship.

“I want to help the team as much as possible, whether that’s goals or assists. I want to help ensure we reach that end goal.”

Lee Johnson welcomes Jack Clarke

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson is also delighted to get his hands on Clarke but is warning the player faces a fight for his shirt.

“Jack is a talented player and having followed his progress over the past few years,” Johnson said.

“I feel like he’s really grown on the pitch throughout the past six months and found a maturity to pair with that talent.

“The competition for places in our final third is strong. And we want to be able to change games as we move into the back end of the season.

“Jack understands that this is a big club with a lot to play for. But he wants to be an influential player for us and help to ensure we have a successful end to the season.”

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