Tottenham’s interest means that Leeds can’t afford to stall on new Clarke deal

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Tottenham want Leeds starlet Jack Clarke to boost their dwindling attacking options this month, according to Football Insider.

They report that Leeds are stalling over a new deal for the 18-year-old and Spurs want to take advantage in the mid-season window.

Injuries and fatigue have started to take their toll on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad – which is exacerbated by the departure of Son Heung-min to the Asian Cup – and Tottenham need reinforcements.

They are apparently ready to bid £10m for Clarke, who caught the eye with a man of the match performance on his first start against Derby on Friday night.

Like Spurs, Leeds’ thin squad is currently struggling under the sheer weight of matches and that has made Clarke already an indispensable member of Marcelo Bielsa’s title-chasing squad.

But with Leeds reportedly unwilling to open talks over a new contract until the summer at the very earliest, they run the risk of Clarke’s head being turned by a big-money move already.

It would not be the worst idea to start the process of tying Clarke down and sending a clear message to him that he is valued at Elland Road and to potential suitors that he is categorically not for sale.