According to the latest reports from the Sun, Manchester United are the latest club to show an interest in Leeds United’s playmaker Jack Clarke. The 18-year-old broke into the first team under Marcelo Bielsa and has played an important role in the past few months coming off the bench. With the ongoing injury crisis, Clarke is getting regular game time at Elland Road, and this is not the first time a Premier League heavyweight have let their intentions know for this talented winger.
Southampton and Crystal Palace are also said to be in the mix for him. Various reports (The Express) have even mentioned that Manchester City and Arsenal are also eyeing a move for him. However, given the current situation, we don’t see Bielsa doing any business for the winger this month.
The youngster was even offered a contract (The Express) by Manchester City when he was just 16, but the United academy graduate continued his development at Elland Road. Also, the Englishman isn’t too far away from establishing himself in the first eleven.
Injuries to first-team players are often frustrating to the manager, but that also opens the door for certain young talents and Clarke has grabbed his opportunity with both hands (or rather feet). If not for various injuries and departures, Clarke could have still played a minor role in the Whites’ lineup but at the moment he seems undroppable.
His on the ball skills is unmatchable and often it seems like some experienced player is on the ball as he looks unflustered when the opposition is breathing down his neck. The 18-year-old has quick feet which allow him to get out of tight situations. But most importantly, Clarke shows composure in the final third to pick out the right pass or finish off the move.
Something like that is not usually seen in young talents and often it is said that with game time, young players would get better with their final product. That is where Clarke stands out as he seems like a readymade superstar and there is no way that Leeds United should look to sell him, especially to their arch-rivals.
The player can realise his dream of playing in the Premier League with his boyhood club by next season as the Whites are currently leading the table. Bielsa should not entertain any offers for the starlet as Leeds try to end their wilderness from the lower divisions of football. With the second half of the season yet to come, one can expect this 18-year-old to make a significant impact in the promotion run.
