Who is Tottenham transfer target Jack Clarke, and is he worth £25 million?

Tottenham have their eyes firmly set on Leeds’ young phenom Jack Clarke, who, after recovering from a mid-season viral scare, enjoyed a breakout season with the Yorkshire club. 

The local Leeds’ lad, who is gaining notoriety for his impressive ability to put defenders on the back foot, is still only 18 years old. In February, all eyes, when Clarke collapsed against Middlesbrough, were focussed on the skillful teenager. He had a quasi-seizure due to a virus but has since recovered fully from the worrying incident.

He made 25 appearances for Leeds in 2018-19, most of which as a substitute. Clarke bagged two goals in his first season with the Yorkshire club.

Clarke plays in a wide role, slaloming down the wings from either a defensive or offensive position. With the likelihood of Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier departing Hotspur Way, talented replacements are in high demand.

Clarke is a fledgling youngster who has a long way to go before competing for a starting position with the likes of Spurs, but he’s a wonderful talent who would benefit greatly under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance.

His ability to get forward, take defenders on and swing crosses in with pace and precision has put Clarke on the Premier League radar. Other clubs, including Crystal Palace, are also interested in securing the Englishman’s services.

He won’t come cheap, though, with Leeds reportedly asking £20-£25 million. That’s about the same price Spurs paid for Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura, and we all know how much they’ve contributed to the club’s success.

This, however, would be a move for the future, as Clarke needs time to gain experience, maturity and strength. Akin to Kyle Walker-Peters, Clarke wouldn’t have a major impact on the first team for a few seasons.

So is the young prodigy worth forking out a wad of cash for?

In recent seasons Spurs have made developing younger talent a priority, which has yielded strong results.

As long as Tottenham also purchase a seasoned wing back who is ready to immediately impact first-team proceedings, stacking the side with future England internationals can only benefit the side in the long run.