Leeds United rising star Jack Clarke is set to sign his first professional contract with the club later today (Thursday), according to Football Insider.
The reliable news site claim that the striker will put pen to paper on his 17th birthday today after reaching an agreement with United on the terms of the deal.
Football Insider report that Leeds have moved to tie Clarke down to his first pro deal amid transfer interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Clarke has made impressive progress through the ranks of the Championship giants after joining as a schoolboy.
He has been a prolific goalscorer for the club’s Under-16s and 18s side for the last couple of seasons and has been in outstanding form in 2017-18, with nine goals in just seven starts for the Under-18s.
Good move for Leeds?
Yes, definitely. There has been a buzz about the teenager striker for the last year or two. Clarke made his debut for the Under-23s last season in a clear sign of his precocity and has even been training with Thomas Christiansen’s first team. It is clear that Leeds have big plans for the youngster, whom they plan to fast-track him into the senior set-up. Intriguingly, it is reported that Premier League clubs have been keeping a close eye on Clarke, which demonstrates his potential and the regard in which he is held. Those in the know claim the teen is one of the hottest prospects in recent years at Elland Road, which has developed some fine players through its academy, including current first-team midfielders Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips, as well as the likes of Charlie Taylor, Lewis Cook and Sam Byram, who have all quit to join Premier League clubs in the last 18 months.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
It appears this is a done deal. Football Insider is a reliable source of news, and it would now rank as a surprise if Clarke does not commit to Leeds today, with an announcement set to follow shortly afterwards.
This Is Futbol rating 10/10