SOUTHAMPTON will back away from a deal for Jack Clarke because Sunderland want £18million.
Saints have been tracking the exciting 23-year-old left winger for months and fancy him for the Premier League.
But the valuation is putting the Prem new boys off.
And a big price tag may also be an obstacle for a move to land Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson.
Saints are already looking at alternative stoppers.
Clarke joined Sunderland from Tottenham initially on loan in 2022.
But the winger’s impressive performances led to a permanent move a few months later.
Since then the England youth international has amassed a total of 27 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances for the Black Cats.
Clarke impressed last season in the Championship with 15 goals and four assists in 42 appearances.
Sunderland finished 16th in the second division with 16 wins and 22 defeats in 46 matches.
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Southampton, on the other hand, returned to the Premier League only a year after their relegation.
Saints made it to the play-off final where they defeated Leeds 1-0 at Wembley.
Russel Martin’s side returned to the top flight alongside Leicester and Ipswich.
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