Leeds United have knocked back an approach for attacker Jack Clarke from Crystal Palace, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, and fans are absolutely delighted.
Clarke, 18, has been picking up Premier League suitors after a string of top performances for Leeds, despite the youngster only starting one game.
The report claims that Palace didn’t table a bid but were told he’s not for sale and it looks incredibly unlikely that he’ll go anywhere in this window, despite teams like Tottenham and Man City also being credited with an interest.
Leeds United knock back approach from Crystal Palace for Jack Clarke. Club insistent that the winger is not for sale:https://t.co/5qqPHuy4Jb #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 17, 2019
Clarke is exactly the sort of player who could be huge for Leeds in the Premier League and the timing couldn’t be much better for him.
This has been his breakthrough season and Marcelo Bielsa is managing his minutes and ensuring Leeds get the most out of him.
That seems to be working at the moment and we can see him starting the majority of the games between now and the end of the season.
If Leeds do sell him at some point in the future he will be worth a lot more in the Premier league than he will be at the moment, at the start of what could be a meteoric career.
And fans know it. Many Leeds fans find it hilarious that Palace think they’ve got a chance of signing him. Others want him tied down on a long-term deal, though. His current contract runs out in 2021.
One fan said “Why is it always our players?” although you surely want big teams interested in your team. Another said it would be “madness” if he was to leave Leeds now.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds fans:
https://twitter.com/CraigHLUFC/status/1085909366681743367
— ????? (@11moggy) January 17, 2019
Needs a new deal which would say a lot about the club's position on not being a selling club especially to Palace . To leave Leeds now would only mean bench especially in the premiership
— James (@jimmy_L_UFC) January 17, 2019
5 year deal asap for me. Protect him! Learning from the best so no need to move.
— Lee Thompson (@lufcThommo) January 17, 2019
The lad obviously has a big part to play and his wages need to be increased accordingly before his head is turned.
— mick (@went57) January 17, 2019
It's time to get him tied up in a new, long term deal.
— Rich (@rickyachew) January 17, 2019
This is the danger of not being in the Premier League. If we don’t go up this time cue loosing players like Clarke. Given our current posistion and setup he’s better off staying out for now. See what next season brings…
— Tom (@murgs78) January 17, 2019
When Real Madrid players are coming to Leeds, why the hell would Leeds players be considering going to Crystal Palace?
— Richard Johnston (@richjohnstonsa) January 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Russlufc/status/1085909950969364481
https://twitter.com/ThingsISayAndDo/status/1085939536251768832
https://twitter.com/BilliardsCue/status/1085927967627378688