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Southampton: Saints linked with Leeds’ winger Jack Clarke

By Ryan Borowski

DERBY, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Jack Clarke of Leeds United acknowledges the fans following the Sky Bet Championship Play-off semi final first leg match between Derby County and Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Derby, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
DERBY, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Jack Clarke of Leeds United acknowledges the fans following the Sky Bet Championship Play-off semi final first leg match between Derby County and Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Derby, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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According to Football Insider, the 18-year-old has been linked to several Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Southampton.

After Leeds failed to gain promotion to the Premier League this past season it seems they are poised to lose some of their top talent to top flight clubs. Clarke, who can play on either side, made 25 appearances for Leeds in all competitions but was mostly used as a sub.

Of his 25 appearances a whopping 20 of them came as substitute appearances.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Jack Clarke of Leeds United and Reece James of Wigan Athletic compete for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship between Leeds United and Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on April 19, 2019 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
LEEDS, ENGLAND – APRIL 19: Jack Clarke of Leeds United and Reece James of Wigan Athletic compete for the ball during the Sky Bet Championship between Leeds United and Wigan Athletic at Elland Road on April 19, 2019 in Leeds, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) /

He only collected 2 goals and 2 assists this season but the numbers do not tell the full story. He is clearly a very talented winger and if a manager like Hasenhuttl can get his hands on him, he will be able to mold him into an excellent player.

Clarke, is currently one of the lowest paid players on Leeds and Premier League clubs will be sure to use that in trying to persuade him on a move. This is where I believe Southampton will have an advantage of being able to lure him to their side.

All three teams interested will be able to pay the winger more than he is making now but hopefully the reputation of Southampton’s academy and an exciting new manager who likes to play youth players should get the youngster leaning towards joining the Saints.

I don’t suspect the transfer fee for an 18-year-old winger from a Championship side will be more than a few million so I think it would be silly for the club not to launch a bid and see if they have found another diamond in the rough.

Next. Saints wanting to sell Gallagher with Blackburn said to be keen. dark

Southampton have yet to make a move this transfer window but I suspect business will start happening within the next few weeks.

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