Report: Leeds set to replace Jack Clarke with Manchester City teen Ian Poveda

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Leeds Live have claimed that Leeds United are set to complete the signing of Manchester City teenager Ian Poveda on a permanent basis as Jack Clarke’s replacement – either this month or in the summer after an initial loan.

Poveda, 19, is an England Under-20 international and has been knocking on the door of Pep Guardiola’s first team. The winger, who can play on both flanks, played in last season’s Carabao Cup semi-final win over Burton Albion.

Wearing the number 83 shirt, Poveda has also appeared on the bench for Manchester City this season. He is highly rated by both Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta, who have watched the winger in recent weeks turn out for City’s Under-23 side.

Poveda is in the final months of his contract at Manchester City. It is believed Leeds will either pay a fee this month to land him permanently, or initially sign him on loan before completing a permanent deal in the summer.

Poveda is believed to be a replacement for Jack Clarke, who saw his loan from Tottenham cancelled earlier this month.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Poveda a big improvement on Clarke

Clarke did break into the Leeds side and impress last season but it was abundantly clear to Leeds fans that they had done well to get £10million from Tottenham. Poveda is an exciting talent, and one that has the ability to surpass Clarke.

Simply by making his Manchester City debut under Guardiola is proof enough that he has enormous amounts of talent. His stats for the Under-23 side are also decent, having a hand in 14 goals during 37 appearances.

Poveda is likely to become Leeds’ second signing of the window with a deal to be tied up next week. Chievo goalkeeper Elia Caprile is set to undergo a medical this weekend.