Danny Mills believes Jack Clarke is making a mistake swapping Leeds for Tottenham

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Danny Mills has told Sky Sports that he believes Jack Clarke is making the wrong move in swapping Leeds United for Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Clarke, 18, broke into the Leeds side last season under Marcelo Bielsa, clocking up 25 appearances in all competitions for the Whites. However, he started just four league games for the Whites.

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that Clarke is joining Tottenham for a fee believed to be in the region of £8.5million, passing a medical at Hotspur Way. It is believed there are a series of add-ons and clauses in the deal.

Former Leeds defender Mills has claimed that Clarke is making the wrong decision in leaving Leeds to join Tottenham, with the 2002 World Cup defender claiming Clarke will have “no chance” of getting a game at Spurs.

“There’s a lot of potential there, but at this stage it is very raw,” Mills said. “It is purely potential. He has had four Championship starts, it is easier to come off the bench and run at people. Why has Bielsa not started him more?

“Can he be trusted? Has he seen enough in training? It’s the right move, at the wrong time. Is he going to play at Tottenham next season? No chance. He’ll be nowhere near the first team.

“He could have had 15-20 starts next season [at Leeds]. At Tottenham, he’s going to be in their Under-23 side at best. It is a mistake, it’s the wrong move, and he should stay and play. This move could send his career backwards.”

TBR’s view – Is Mills right about Clarke?

A move to Tottenham is one that will benefit Clarke. He will play with better players in training, and certainly progress as a player – contrary to Mills’ claim that Clarke’s career will take a step backwards.

However, Mills is correct when it comes to Clarke’s playing time. The winger is miles behind the quality of Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and more, and is hardly showing the potential to reach their quality.

If Clarke is to join Tottenham, a loan move away from the club is crucial – perhaps back to Elland Road.