Sunderland AFC transfer news: Pundit states Cats NOT paying £6m for Championship striker was a 'wise' decision

Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony last week confirmed that Sunderland were linked with Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Sunderland were said to be plotting an audacious bid to bring Clarke-Harris to the Stadium of Light during the January window.

Former head coach Lee Johnson is a big fan of the striker who netted 31 times during Posh’s promotion-winning campaign last season.

However, reports suggested that the stumbling block to the deal was the £6m required to sign him.

Weighing in on the issues, Phillips said: “Only time will tell if Jermain Defoe was good business. I think it will be. Hopefully, he will get some important goals along the way.

“For the sort of money they were talking, I think Sunderland were wise not to go there with Clarke-Harris.”

Speaking on Twitter recently, MacAnthony confirmed that Sunderland were interested in a deal during the January window.

At the time Posh director of football Barry Fry said: “These rumours are very frustrating,” said the director of football. “We’re working hard on our transfer targets and I keep getting interrupted answering questions about stories that aren’t true.”

After his impressive 2020-21 campaign, Clarke-Harris has understandably found life tougher in the Championship, scoring four times in 20 league appearances for Posh this term.

But after manager Darren Ferguson's resignation last week, Clarke-Harris could be set for a fresh start at the club depending on which new manager comes in.

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