Leeds should reject all Southampton advances for young starlet Clarke

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Premier League relegation battlers Southampton are interested in Leeds United starlet Jack Clarke, according to Calcio Mercato.

Clarke’s star is on the rise and Ralph Hasenhuttl has reportedly set his sights on the flying young wideman to add fresh impetus to the Saints’ survival bid.

The 18-year-old has a goal and an assist in his last two matches and has become increasingly important to Marcelo Bielsa as the Whites’ threadbare squad struggles with injuries and the sheer weight of matches.

But he has grabbed his chance so impressively and as a local boy, the fans have already taken him to their hearts.

Leeds have to focus on bolstering their squad this month in order to sustain their promotion push, not losing players and certainly not those who have such a bright future at the club.

Such a promising English teenager in today’s market should come with a bumper pricetag beyond what Southampton can reasonably afford.

And it would be such a significant blow to Leeds’ momentum if he did leave, as well as leaving Bielsa with another headache, seeking to maintain the creativity in the squad with dwindling options.

It is best for Clarke himself to remain at Elland Road for the time being – a genuinely special season could be on the cards.