Leeds United are at risk of losing rising first-team star Jack Clarke due to a “bizarre impasse” in talks over a new contract, according to Football Insider.
The reliable site claim the Championship promotion hopefuls are “stalling” on offering the 18-year-old attacker a new deal and have so far failed to plan any talks.
Football Insider report Clarke’s representatives are keen to discuss fresh terms for the player as a reward for his first-team breakthrough and Leeds’ stance has opened the door for interest from Premier League giants led by Manchester City.
OPINION
Quite why Leeds are stalling on holding talks with Clarke over an extension is something of a mystery. As Football Insider points out, the teenager, who only became old enough to legally drink two weeks ago, is a “prize asset” of the club and one who is in demand following his emergence at first-team level in recent weeks. A super-quick, direct and skillful winger, Clarke has come off the bench in the last two Leeds matches at half-time and helped turn tight matches in their favour, including providing the assist for Pablo Hernandez’s matchwinner against Sheffield United last weekend. Clarke signed his first professional contract when he turned 17 in November of last year, and his camp seemingly want a deal that recognises his new status and the progress he has made. Certainly, they will use the interest of Man City and others to secure a better deal for their client, who increasingly looks like a star of the future.