Ipswich Town: Audacious Gus Hamer swap deal suggested amid Sheffield United's Jack Clarke interes | OneFootball

Ipswich Town would surely look for something monumental to part with Jack Clarke

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sheffield United are said to be eyeing a shock move for Ipswich Town’s Jack Clarke in January.

The Star are reporting that Clarke is one of a number of names on the Blades’ January wishlist as they look to mount a late charge up the Championship table.

It comes as Chris Wilder’s side search for a Louie Barry replacement, with the 22-year-old set to return to parent club Aston Villa with an injury.

FLW asked our Ipswich fan pundit, Adam Wilkin, whether this is a move he could see the Tractor Boys allowing - and his surprise in Sheffield United's apparent interest is evident.

Gus Hamer swap deal is “the only way” Sheffield United could land Jack Clarke

Speaking to Football League World, Adam said: “I've got a Lamborghini on my Christmas wishlist, and I think that's about as realistic as Jack Clarke being on Sheffield United's January transfer wishlist.

“I just can't see it happening at all.

“He's our second-highest goal scorer, with most of those coming off the bench. That left-hand side is really, really strong.

“I don't see any reason that we'd want to get rid of him.

“The only way that I can think that could potentially happen is in exchange for Gus Hamer.

“We are overloaded on the left-hand side with it arguably being [Jaden] Philogene, Jack Clarke, and Sammie Szmodics' best position in this side.

“So, you could get rid of one of them and bring Hamer into more of the number 10 role for more balance, but that's the only way I can see it.

“Other than that, there's no way that we're letting him go, especially to Sheffield United.”

Sheffield United will probably need to shop elsewhere amid Jack Clarke interest

A swap deal for Hamer would certainly bring Ipswich to the table, as he is undoubtedly one of the top talents in the second tier, with Premier League experience to his name and plenty of years ahead of him.

He is, however, precisely the type of player the Blades need if they’re to have any chance of climbing up the table following their poor start.

With that swap deal most likely not on the cards, Clarke looks a tricky one to land for Wilder’s side.

Clarke only signed for Ipswich in the summer of 2024, in a deal with £15m plus £5m in add-ons, which came with a five-year deal.

It puts Ipswich in the driving seat for any negotiations, and if the Blades are serious, then the Tractor Boys will be looking for a substantial return on their investment.

Add that to the fact that Clarke is currently in form, and that Ipswich would likely want to add a premium for selling to a likely division rival in the near future, and the cost of this deal quickly spirals upwards.

Clarke is said to earn £25,000 per week at Ipswich, according to Capology estimates, which would fit neatly into the Blades’ wage structure, with multiple players estimated to be on a similar wage.

Aside from that, little else would make sense about this deal.

Say a fee was agreed, the Blades would also need to convince Clarke to remove himself from a likely promotion battle at the top of the Championship, to go and link up with a side paying more attention to the other end of the table.

That Clarke is one of United’s targets may be a show of intent, but the costs involved to make this move work for all parties do not appear realistic.