Middlesbrough's significant interest in signing 25-year-old English winger Jack Clarke from Ipswich Town could reportedly be challenged by West Ham. As direct promotion rivals, both West Ham and Wolves would view Middlesbrough adding an established Championship match-winner as a worrying development. It is suggested that due to Clarke's quality in the second tier, these clubs may even consider attempting to sign the player themselves. A deal for Middlesbrough is considered difficult to complete, and they would need to act quickly with only about a week remaining in the transfer window. Clarke joined Ipswich in August 2024 for a reported €17.7M and is under contract until 2029. His current market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €20.00m. Reports from May 2026 suggested Ipswich would demand a fee that would be a record for the Championship to sell him. Ipswich had already rejected an inquiry from Middlesbrough in January 2026.