Southampton will likely need to increase £5m bid to snare Clarke this month

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Southampton have tabled a £5m bid for Leeds United’s teenage sensation Jack Clarke, according to Football Insider.

They report that there is interest in the red-hot wideman from Crystal Palace as well and that teams higher up the Premier League are all monitoring his situation.

The report says that Leeds are determined to keep Clarke at the club until at least the end of the season – making it likely they will reject Southampton’s bid – but that the Saints are willing to continue to test their resolve in the closing stages of the window.

Palace have reportedly bid £3m for Clarke, so Southampton’s offer trumps that, but it would still be a drop in the ocean for a young English talent these days.

And that’s why Southampton would surely need to up their bid for Clarke if they are to get their man.

Leeds lost at the weekend but there is a confidence around the club that they can get promotion this season under Bielsa; and if Clarke believes he is Premier League bound at Elland Road, he may not want to move to a side that is still in a relegation battle.

The optimism comes from Clarke’s dwinding contract situation – with no sign of movement on that front until the end of the season – but Leeds will likely demand far more than £5m for such a hot property.