Sunderland's Jack Clarke eyeing promotion with Tony Mowbray amid Burnley transfer interest

Jack Clarke is eyeing promotion from the Championship with Sunderland.

The 22-year-old winger scored nine Championship goals and provided 13 assists last season as Sunderland were defeated over two legs in the play-off semi-finals against Luton Town

Clarke has continued his good form into this campaign and has already scored seven times during this campaign.

Burnley are believed to have bid several times for Clarke last summer but saw their offers rejected by Sunderland, who are said to be keen to tie Clarke down to a new contract. The player also seems focused on playing at the Stadium of Light.

"I've lost twice now in the play-off semi-finals, and you can only try and use that experience to your advantage, or it will eat away at you," Clarke told Sky Sports. "It can be our stepping stone to be an even better team in this league this season.

"Hopefully we can get into the play-offs or higher and go one better this year, and finish on a real high."

Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray recently reiterated that Clarke never pushed for a move away from Sunderland this summer despite multiple bids from Burnley and the two share a good relationship

"I love playing for the gaffer," says Clarke. "He's been brilliant with me and all the other boys. For a young attacking player, he gives you the freedom to express yourself, and that's all I want to do.

"I think he identified what our strengths are as a squad. We worked a lot on what we are good at and what will help in certain games. Getting the ball in the right areas, doing the right things at the right time.

"I'm going out there every week and trying my best. Sometimes things come off, and sometimes they don't. To experiment, and enjoy playing football. He gives you that platform."

Sunderland are next in action against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in the Championship on Tuesday evening.

Tony Mowbray's men have lost three of their last five coming into the clash, including the 2-1 loss to Alex Neil's Stoke City in the league last weekend at the Bet365 Stadium.