According to the latest reports from the Express, West Ham United can make a loan bid for English winger Jack Clarke in January. The Tottenham player who is currently on loan with Leeds United has been a given the cold shoulder this season, and the youngster is yet to feature in the Championship even as a substitute.
Clarke’s only appearances have come in the two Carabao Cup ties. As a result, Spurs are mulling over recalling back the winger to North London. They expected him to develop further and get some game time at Elland Road, but that doesn’t seem to be happening. Spurs though shouldn’t look to keep hold of him in January if they recall him back and they could instead look for a new suitor for the promising youngster.
The 18-year-old caught the eye for the Whites last season as he often changed the game coming on as a substitute. His influence has dwindled ever since he collapsed in the dugout against Middlesbrough this year. Nevertheless, it is slightly surprising to see him struggle to get any minutes in the Championship this season.
Along with the Hammers, Crystal Palace could also line up in January for the signature of the £10m man.
What can Clarke offer?
The youngster is usually direct in his playing style and is often brave on the ball. The winger is always willing to take on defenders in one on situation, and he uses his pace and dribbling skills to good effect. His composure in the final third is also commendable for a young and inexperienced player, and there is no doubt that he has a big future ahead of him.
However, given his direct and brave playing style, sometimes Clarke is guilty of taking the tougher route which sees him lose possession. The Whites managed to sign Helder Costa this summer, and as a result, Clarke hasn’t even featured as a substitute in the Championship.
Good signing for West Ham?
The youngster can have an impact in the Premier League but expecting too much from him straight away would be a bit too naive. Pellegrini has wingers like Felipe Anderson, Robert Snodgrass, Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko at his disposal and we don’t see how Clarke would be able to get regular minutes in the Premier League ahead of the mentioned names.
The fact that it will only be a loan deal means the Hammers aren’t going to benefit much anyway. Moreover, Spurs would want to send him to a club where he could get some guaranteed game time.
