Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson says Jack Clarke would be an ‘incredible addition’ to the club’s attack, if they can attract him back to Elland Road. 

Clarke was sold to Tottenham in July 2019 but after a series of loan spells, was moved on a permanent basis to Sunderland in 2022 — following a strong loan spell in League One for the Black Cats in 2021/22.

The 23-year-old winger enjoyed the best season of his career so far in 2023/24, notching 15 goals and four assists in 40 Championship appearances despite Sunderland falling away from the promotion race to finish 16th.

Clarke’s form has reportedly attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, with West Ham most strongly linked after Burnley also had a bid rejected last summer.

Grayson backs Leeds return for ‘incredible’ Clarke

Sunderland are understood to be resigned to losing Clarke this summer with bids expected imminently.

But a return to Leeds United? It seems unlikely but ex-boss Grayson would certainly like to see Clarke join an already-talented Whites forward line for their promotion push next season.

“Jack Clarke has had an exceptional season but it will have to be a Premier League team he leaves Sunderland for,” Grayson said (via Yorkshire Evening Post).

“Leeds were forced to sell him for financial reasons previously but he would be an incredible addition. With Willy Gnonto, Dan James, Crysencio Summerville, Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe, Leeds have attackers that would get in so many Premier League teams. Let’s get to the summer and see what happens, he would be an unbelievable weapon to have.”

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Sunderland have upped their efforts to sign Ivory Coast and Bournemouth forward Max Gradel, with the player set to leave the club this summer, as reported by the Daily Mail.

According to the Daily Mail, Gradel is set to leave Dean Court this summer, with a number of clubs interested in landing the winger’s signature, including Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

Despite the rumours surrounding Gradel’s future, Cherries boss Eddie Howe has insisted that the Ivorian is to remain in his plans for the forthcoming season, as per the Daily Mail.

However this news will not stop new Sunderland boss Simon Grayson in his pursuit of Gradel, who failed to find the net in 11 league appearances for Eddie Howe’s side last season, report the Daily Mail.

Should Gradel end up swapping Bournemouth for Sunderland, it’ll be interesting see whether the Ivory Coast international can cement a first team place in Simon Grayson’s side this coming season.

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Preston North End have signed Manchester United midfielder Ben Pearson on a permanent transfer.

The 21-year-old, who was on loan at Barnsley for the first half of the season, arrives at Deepdale for an undisclosed fee and signs a two-and-a-half year contract, according to Preston’s official website.

Pearson joined the Red Devils in 2004 but never made an appearance for the senior side, despite showing promise as a youth international for England from every level between U16 and U20.

North End manager Simon Grayson explained that Pearson has long been on his radar, and his 50 appearances over two loan spells at Barnsley convinced him that the youngster was worth buying.

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Grayson told pnefc.net: “We knew about Ben whilst he was at Manchester United and he was the right age to go out and get some games and we have kept our eye on him whilst he has been at Barnsley.

“He has played close on 50 games on the spin for them. He has played as a holding midfield player; played in a three getting forward, and we see him as energetic, box-to-box, likes a tackle and coming from Manchester United he is decent on the ball as well.

“He’s at the right age; wants to go and make a good career in the game and we are delighted that we have been backed by the owner to spend the money to bring Ben here and also delighted he has come here and committed his future to being a Championship player and beyond.”

Preston have a good relationship with the Old Trafford club. They had Will Keane on loan for six months prior to the New Year, before he was recalled by Louis van Gaal to bolster his striking options.

Keane returning to United opened up the possibility of Preston taking another player on loan from the Premier League club, but they obviously feel that Pearson is worth investing in for the long term.

Pearson has been handed the No.4 shirt by North End and will go straight into their squad for their Championship clash with Bristol City on Tuesday.

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