Leeds can’t afford Jack Clarke’s progress to be knocked by target Rajiv Van La Parra

By Dom Toner

Leeds United have a wonderkid in their ranks in the shape of Jack Clarke and manager Marcelo Bielsa needs to try ensure his progress is not wrecked by any potential January arrivals.

The 18-year-old attacker has managed to break into the first team and is starting to make some real useful contributions at Elland Road.

He is a talented winger that looks good enough for regular senior action and he should not be stopped in his tracks by any potential signings.

According to the Sun, the Yorkshire giants are interested in Huddersfield wide man Rajiv Van La Parra alongside Middlesbrough.

Van La Parra, 27, is valued at around £5million and could add another useful dimension to Leeds with his pace and trickery.

But Clarke needs to remain firmly in contention and he can play a pivotal role himself in the second half of the season in the bid for promotion.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Bielsa’s team sit top of the Championship table as it stands in December and appear to be one of the strongest challengers that could push for the automatic spots.

Clarke is a fleet-footed winger that has shown he can trouble defences with his directness and is definitely the next star to come out of the academy.

He is arguably contributing more than the likes of Ezgjan Alioski and Jack Harrison right now in the first team, while he will only improve too with more first-team experienced under his belt.