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Sunderland man wanted by loan club this summer after completing sensational deal for his replacement
Dundalk boss Jon Daly has said he is interested in bringing back Sunderland defender Zak Johnson.
Sunderland are poised to recall the youngster though in time for pre-season. They are preparing for the start of the new Championship season.
Johnson, 19, has been a hit in the League of Ireland over the past few months following his winter switch.
Daly has said, as per a report by the Irish Independent: “Zak Johnson looks like he’s going to be recalled.
“We’re obviously working as hard as we can to try and change that but it doesn’t look like they’re for changing their mind on that one.
“They’ve probably made their decision on what they want to do with him prior to him coming in and I’m sure if I was a manager in their situation as well and I had players out on loan then I’d be calling them back to have a look through pre-season.”
Sunderland have a decision to make on what to do next with Johnson ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
He has risen up through the academy ranks of the North East outfit and has been a regular for them at various different youth levels.
The teenager penned his first professional deal in 2022 running until 2025.
Johnson has made two first-team appearances for the Black Cats and will be eyeing plenty more down the line.
He was given the green light to head out the exit door at the Stadium of Light on a temporary basis for the first time when Hartlepool United came calling in September last year.
The England youth international, who has represented the Three Lions at Under-18’s level, went on to play 12 games for the Pools before heading back to his parent club.
Johnson then signed for Dundalk on loan in January and has since enjoyed his time over in Ireland.
Daly has made it clear that he would like to reunite with the prospect so that door remains open for Sunderland as an option.
They will take a look at him though and weigh up what is best for him next.
Jack Clarke was one shining light for the Black Cats in an otherwise pretty dull and unimpressive campaign.
The former Tottenham Hotspur winger joined Sunderland whilst the club were in League One but it wasn’t really until they got to the Championship that he began to shine.
Clarke, 23, scored 15 and assisted four in 40 second tier outings last season. The left winger registered 21 goal contributions in 47 league appearances the year before and has now put in two incredible Championship seasons.
Interest in the winger isn’t new. However, the latest update suggests Wolves are in the race for his signature this summer. They are joined by Crystal Palace who are looking to add to their attacking ranks in this window.
It goes on to say Sunderland are keen to retain Clarke this summer and have set a price tag of around £25-30m on their star.
