An analysis of Leeds starlet Jack Clarke, and whether or not Manchester United could sign him this January.
Jack Clarke is the latest precocious talent to emerge from Leeds United’s hallowed academy. The 18-year-old has made two Championship starts and eleven substitute appearances this term, and chipped in with a couple of goals and assists.
The versatile youngster can play anywhere across the front line but is usually deployed on the wing due to his deadly repertoire of attacking weaponry.
He boasts more tricks than a clown’s pocket – renowned for making fools of opponents throughout the youth ranks – has pace to burn, and pretty frightening acceleration.
The tormentor of defender is at his best in one-on-one situations and can beeline straight for the byline or opt for a quicksilver incision. More often than not, Clarke goes for the former, giving him an old-school winger aura.
The fact Clarke is cutting it in a Bielsa team makes the youngster even more enticing for potential suitors. The man they call ‘El Loco’ allows no passengers in his set-ups and you can be sure Clarke is used to gruelling double training sessions.
He has also made considerable improvements defensively under the Argentine as he develops from a flashy winger to an well-rounded, Premier League calibre player.
Will United sign Clarke this January?
Various news outlets report that Manchester United is lining up a move for the youngster this January and it’s easy to see why.
Manchester’s other residents has been long-term admirers of Clarke; while, Crystal Palace and Southampton have reportedly already had bids rejected. The price tag on his head is said to be around £12 million, but that figure would no doubt soar if a summer bidding war commenced.
Bielsa’s side currently sits top of the table and should Leeds clinch promotion, then the allure of staying at Elland Road significantly increases. Meanwhile, another roadblock could be Clarke’s family who are all die-hard Leeds United fans and desperate to see the Yorkshire-born star represent the club in the top flight.
It would be an ideal and astute bit of business for the United board who have a free pass this window, as they wait to see what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can do with the current crop. It’s true that this one could take a number of different narratives but one thing for sure is that you will see Clarke in the top division sooner rather than later.