Since the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers have already added Brazilian starlet Luis Guilherme to their ranks, the teenager expected to immediately challenge for a first-team role.
However, it is highly unlikely that he will make regular starts, forcing West Ham to look elsewhere as they bid to bounce back from a poor 2023-24.
According to Football Insider, the East London outfit have a 'concrete' interest in acquiring the services of Black Cats wideman Clarke.
The 23-year-old has established himself as one of the top talents outside of the Championship, contributing 24 goals and 16 assists across the last two seasons.
Nevertheless, there is an understanding that Clarke wants to test himself in the Premier League, with Sunderland allegedly setting a £15m valuation.
West Ham also chasing Sessegnon deal
Meanwhile, West Ham are allegedly showing an interest in securing a deal for fellow wide player Ryan Sessegnon.
Tottenham Hotspur have just released Sessegnon at the end of his contract with just one brief substitute outing being made during 2023-24.
Reports have indicated that the 24-year-old is not short of admirers with clubs in Germany - where he has previously represented Hoffenheim - said to be monitoring the situation.
As per The Guardian, though, West Ham are ready to hand Sessegnon an opportunity to remain in London should he so wish.
West Ham's hierarchy are said to be of the opinion that the former England Under-21 international could 'prove to be a bargain'.
Sessegnon's ex-club Fulham are also admirers and may look to take him back to Craven Cottage in a move that would boost their homegrown quota.
Coventry City keen on New Zealand international
Down in the Championship, Coventry City are seemingly prepared to spend big on Red Star Belgrade midfielder Marko Stamenic.
The Sky Blues endured an agonising campaign, losing an FA Cup semi-final to Manchester United on penalties and missing out on the Championship playoffs.
However, there is money to spend on the back of recent big-money sales, and it appears that they are eager to wrap up a deal for a New Zealand international.
According to Football Insider, a transfer worth in the region of £4m is in place for Stamenic to make the switch to the East Midlands.
The 22-year-old made 28 starts and seven substitute outings for Red Star last season, four of which came in the Champions League.