Ipswich make opening bid for Sunderland's Jack Clarke

The Premier League club's offer is believed to be in the region of £15m plus add-ons.

At this stage it's not clear whether Sunderland have officially responded to the bid, which was first reported by The Times on Wednesday night, with talks between the clubs ongoing.

Even if the Black Cats reject Ipswich's opening bid, the Tractor Boys are unlikely to accept defeat after just one offer and there's now fresh uncertainty over Clarke's future with the final week of the summer transfer window fast approaching.

Southampton have monitored Clarke's situation this summer while Leeds United were also recently linked but are set to sign Largie Ramazani.

Ipswich's bid is the first Sunderland have received this summer - and it gives the Black Cats a decision to make.

For all Sunderland want to keep Clarke on Wearside, the winger has now moved into the last two years of his contract and the two parties have been unable to come to an agreement on extending that deal.

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The Northern Echo understands there have been no further contract talks between Sunderland and Clarke this summer. While there's no been no indication an agreement on an extension has ever been close, discussions would likely reopen once the transfer deadline has closed if Clarke is still a Sunderland player - but that's now not certain.

There's also the possibility that having made the first move, Ipswich could prompt other clubs to firm up their interest in the 23-year-old.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris will be asked about the matter when he speaks to the media this afternoon.

Clarke has quickly demonstrated to Le Bris his importance on Wearside, with the winger scoring in the opening day win at Cardiff and starring in the weekend hammering of Sheffield Wednesday.