Clarke leaves: Sunderland AFC must avoid these 2 transfer scenarios before August 30th | OneFootball

Two scenarios Sunderland must avoid this summer are selling Jack Clarke and not signing a striker.

Highlights

With under four weeks to go until the end of August and the new Championship season upon us, there are two dreaded scenarios that could play out at the Stadium of Light.

The first of those dilemmas involves Sunderland's most valued asset, Jack Clarke. The winger has been at the centre of constant speculation, with Premier League duo, Ipswich Town and Southampton, hot on the heels of the 23-year-old.

The Black Cats' other dilemma revolves around their prolonged struggle to bring in a new striker. The Wearsiders have been stifling to bring in Alexandre Mendy from SM Caen, but the deal appears to be nowhere near its conclusion.

Sunderland's worst possible situation come the end of the month would be for Clarke to leave and for no striker to be signed. If this situation came to fruition, then it could be a season to forget for Sunderland.

Clarke departs the Stadium of Light

If Clarke were to leave Sunderland, it could have catastrophic results. The Black Cats' talisman was one of the top performers in the Championship last season and carried the side at times. The left-winger finished the season with a career-high 15 goals and also contributed four assists.

Without Clarke, Sunderland might not have been a Championship side this season. Without his contributions, the club would likely have been involved in a relegation scrap. Hence, it is paramount that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus holds onto his talent.

Clarke's potential departure is still on the cards, despite Sunderland's desire to hold on to their top players. The 23-year-old has two years left on his current deal, so financially, this summer represents the best possible time to cash in, given his value could drop this time next year.

Ipswich were reported to have bid £18 million for the winger, as per iNews, although there has been no news since. As for Southampton, they are reported to have a strong interest in Clarke, but recently acquired Ben Brereton Diaz, which could deter them from making a move.

Although it may be tempting, Sunderland should resist any advances for Clarke, especially if they are under the £20/25 million mark.

No new strikers signed

The Sunderland hierarchy would risk the wrath of the Stadium of Light faithful if no new strikers came through the door before the end of August.

The striker situation on Wearside is one that feels like it has been going on for an eternity. Having sold prolific forward, Ross Stewart, to Southampton last summer, the club's replacements simply could not cut it.

Luis 'Hemir' Semedo, Nazariy Rusyn, and Mason Burstow were all given opportunities in Sunderland's first team but could only manage three goals between them all season.

In January, the club had the opportunity to sign a replacement for Stewart but put all their eggs in one basket by pursuing Kieffer Moore. Unfortunately, the Welshman opted for Ipswich, who achieved promotion back to the Premier League with Moore at the helm.

This summer, Sunderland have been endeavoring to sign Mendy, but have encountered a series of obstacles obstructing the move. The latest twist in the tale came as Mendy's agent released a statement to Foot Mercato.

Mendy's agent hit out at the 30-year-old's club, Caen, for blocking the move and said "trust has been broken".

Whether Sunderland can get this deal over the line remains to be seen, but fans will be hoping that there is a back-up plan in place.

While there are weeks to go until the end of August, there is work to do behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light.

As it stands, Clarke is a Sunderland player, but it would not be surprising if the winger departed for the Premier League. For a successful season, the Black Cats will need to hold on to their key man.