Despite having been linked to Morgan Rogers in the past week, we suggest that Aston Villa should go after Jack Clarke instead.
This week has seen Aston Villa make a beeline for the transfer of Morgan Rogers which has seen them place three bids so far.
It is clear that Unai Emery and Co have decided to opt to sign young talent in January. This is as opposed to more expensive and experienced players.
The main link has been to Middlesbrough talent, Rogers who only recently signed for Boro after a loan with Blackpool.
So far this campaign he has registered two goals and six assists in the Championship despite only being 21-years old. This paired with his versatility has left Villa fans excited.
A bid worth £15m is said to be enough to test the resolve of Boro in the January transfer window. With that being said, could Villa target a different Championship option in the January window?
Villa should target Jack Clarke over Rogers
Rogers would represent a good signing for Villa. This is a result of his versatility and physicality he has shown.
Despite this, signing an out-and-out winger who has an eye for goal could be a great point of difference as a signing.
In saying that, right now, those sorts of players don’t get much better than Jack Clarke of Sunderland. This season he has made 28 starts for the Black Cats and is currently the third-top scorer in the division, all according to FotMob.
With 13 goals and two assists he is up there with one of, if not the best wingers in the whole of the second division.
Following his form, his former manager Tony Mowbray had plenty of good things to talk about given his top form.
After a win over Blackburn Rovers, he said: “He’s a super talent, he’s a great kid and I don’t apologise for shouting at him and telling him he has to work hard because all the best players work harder than anybody else and their talent shines through.”
It is clear that Clarke is highly rated at Sunderland right now and as a result, it could cost a lot to tempt him away. A report by Evening Standard has suggested that a bid in the region of £20m would be enough to sign him.
Given that Villa don’t have any real out-and-out wingers at the club, bar Bertrand Traore, Clarke might be a great option. He would cost a similar amount to Rogers and would come with more of a track record than his Northern rival.
