Leeds United have been “touted” to table a bid to sign Portsmouth centre-back Matt Clarke this summer, according to the Portsmouth News.
The south coast newspaper claims that Brighton are currently leading the chase to sign the 22-year-old, but Stoke, Hull, Reading and Bristol City are also said to be interested in him.
The Times reported in March that Portsmouth want £4million for Clarke, who is likely to become a Championship player in the summer after Pompey failed to win promotion from League One this season.
Good move for Leeds?
Clarke has had a great season for Portsmouth but ultimately could not help Kenny Jackett’s side win promotion to the Championship.
He made a whopping 60 appearances across all competitions for the south coast side this term, scoring four goals in the process.
Leeds could do with adding an extra centre-back to their squad in the summer, so signing the former Ipswich defender would definitely be a good idea.
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper both have injury and disciplinary issues and they are the only two natural centre-backs in Marcelo Bielsa’s senior squad.
Clarke would add some good depth to what has been a problem position under Bielsa’s leadership and for £4million, it might be a worthwhile investment in the 22-year-old.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Clarke is understandably attracting a lot of attention after a strong season with Portsmouth.
Brighton are said to be winning the race for the defender’s signature right now and the chances are that he will end up staying on the south coast to join a Premier League club, rather than the host of Championship sides chasing him.
Leeds might have to look elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating 2/10