OPINION
Leeds United fans have been drooling over the performances of Jack Clarke this season as the young winger becomes the latest academy graduate to make the step up from youth team to senior side.
The 18-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising talents at Elland Road and after a handful of games as a second half cameo was finally given the chance to start by manager Marcelo Bielsa in the club’s victory over Derby County.
Now Clarke did not just perform to expectation – he positively dazzled as he tore the Rams defence to pieces and there will no doubt be more starts for the youngster in the immediate future.
However, his fine form has reportedly seen a number of Premier League sides chase his capture, Football Insider stating that Tottenham are on his tail while the Mirror report interest from Southampton and Manchester City.
All these top flight names chasing Clarke will have the Leeds fans panicking about their ability to keep him at Elland Road, especially with reports that the club are not looking to offer him a new contract, but the Mirror’s record breaking claims should put the Whites faithful at ease.
The newspaper claim that Leeds actually put Clarke on the biggest ever deal offered to an under-18 player in the history of the club and knowing that he is on ground breaking terms at Elland Road should have the supporters breathing a huge sigh of relief.
He is obviously well valued at Leeds and they will no doubt be letting him know just that as speculation about his future builds.
A contract will be coming, that much seems a certainty, but his current deal will not leave him feeling as though he is being taken advantage of, and that should be enough to allay the fears of fans for now.