Tottenham Hotspur’s move for Jack Clarke makes perfect sense considering mistakes of last summer

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Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to make a £10 million bid for Leeds United winger Jack Clarke. The Daily Mail are suggesting the youngster is high up on Mauricio Pochettino’s wishlist for the summer.

The news has certainly received criticism from a section of Tottenham fans. After a week of links with the likes of Gareth Bale and Tanguy Ndombele, this feels a little flat to them.

They want Tottenham to start mixing with the big boys by bringing in top names to the club with Premier League and Champions League experience.

However, Tottenham’s failure to secure two players from the Football League last summer now looks like an error.

Tottenham were linked with both David Brooks and James Maddison. As reported by The Sun in February last year, Tottenham were keen on signing the Welsh forward Brooks from Sheffield United. Norwich City playmaker Maddison was also a target, but as reported by the Evening Standard, Spurs decided not to pursue him as part of a policy to move away from Championship transfer targets.

That policy is no longer in place if the Clarke story rings true.

The reason why would also appear clear. Both Brooks and Maddison have thrived since heading to the Premier League.

Brooks joined Bournemouth in a deal reported by Sky Sports to be worth £11.5 million. As reported by the Daily Mail, Maddison cost Leicester £24 million.

Both have demonstrated they are more than capable at this level. In fact, so much so it seems, Tottenham remain interested.

As reported by the Daily Mail in February, both remain on a transfer shortlist at Tottenham. However, the duo would now cost significantly more than they did last summer. Clarke could be a similar success story if Tottenham get their man. A repeat of both Brooks and Maddison would certainly sting. Spurs are therefore correct to dip their toes in the Football League talent pool yet again.