Regis Le Bris won't make Clarke and Bellingham transfer guarantees amid 'crazy' transfer market

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has admitted keeping the likes of Jack Clarke and Jobe Bellingham at the club will not be an easy task as we head deeper into the transfer window.

Clarke in particular is understood to be wanted by at least two Premier League clubs while Bellingham has been the subject of speculation, in particular from Crystal Palace, while Spurs’ interest has also been alluded to.

“It’s difficult to have guarantees because the market can be crazy sometimes but I feel the ambition,” Le Bris answered when asked whether he could give assurances regarding Sunderland's recruitment process and player sales.

READ MORE: Regis Le Bris has already identified Sunderland's 'key strength' in exciting admission

READ MORE: Regis Le Bris admits Sunderland's problem is known throughout the club

Le Bris is sure to want to keep both men at the club, not least Clarke, Sunderland’s most exciting talent. The former Leeds United and Tottenham winger has two years left on his contract and with him unlikely to sign a new deal, Sunderland will need to cash in or risk his value dropping next summer.

During his first press conference, Le Bris was keen to speak of the need to keep important core players at the club. The Frenchman also referenced the club’s ambition as he discussed the transfer market for the first time.

Le Bris continued: “Obviously, the market and transfer window will not be as we’d expect it just now but we will adapt with the circumstances and at the end I think we’ll have a balanced team with players who are able to play our style of play and to perform on the pitch.”

When asked about Clarke specifically he added: “We like good players – the players who are able to dribble, attack the box, score and give the last key passes.

“They are very important for the team. He is an important player – other players are very important for the team also. If we are able to keep the core of this team, I think it will be very helpful to enable us to perform quickly, with one, two or three players more. He is very important, as are all the players.”