According to the latest reports from the Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of signing Leeds United’s Jack Clarke in the ongoing summer transfer window for £8.5m including add ons. The reports also add that Clarke is going to compete for first-team places at Tottenham and that means that the player is also not likely to return on a season-long loan deal to Leeds United which was earlier suggested.
The 19-year-old shot into limelight last season as Marcelo Bielsa decided to streamline him into the first team. The young English winger impressed in his little cameos as he often made the difference coming on from the bench. His impressive performance brought him a lot of attention from some of the top English clubs, and now it seems like Tottenham are likely to go through with a deal for him.
What made Clarke special?
Even before he signed his first professional contract for Leeds United, Clarke was wanted by English heavyweights Manchester City. That showcases that he was destined for big things from a very young age. The youngster benefitted massively last season from playing under Bielsa as the Argentine manager was brave enough to give him regular minutes at Elland Road.
Clarke’s fearless approach and ability to take on defenders made him a stand out player. His direct style of play and the intensity with which he drove the ball forward was eye-catching, and it was always going to be a matter of time before some of the top clubs started lining up for his signature.
The Englishman made 24 appearances in Championship last season and contributed with two goals and two assists. His dribbling skills and pace allows him to go past defenders with ease and he can be a good impact player for any of the team he signs up for.
Are Leeds United making the right call by selling him for £8.5m?
We hope United have arranged some impressive appearance based add ons and future sell on clauses for the winger. If Leeds United are unable to have him on a season-long loan, then the £8.5m looks quite less for someone like Clarke who has immense potential.
Some reports [The Sunday Mirror (May 26, page 69)] mentioned that Leeds could end up demanding £20m for him. Now we don’t think Tottenham will look to pay that much, but the Whites should demand atleast £15m for the Englishman if they are not going to eke out another season from him at Elland Road. Leeds United need some funds to bolster their squad, and they should use Clarke smartly in the transfer market. Given the way things are going in this transfer market, the Whites should not succumb to any bid below the £10m mark.
Anything below the £10m mark would mean that Leeds have fumbled this crucial negotiation with Spurs. Everyone knows of Clarke’s talents, and we believe that if Leeds wait this out, they will get the price they want. It’s time they put on their poker faces and hold the line on this one.
