Jonathan Woodgate reveals thoughts on Jack Clarke and Britt Assombalonga to Aston Villa reports

Jack Clarke signed for Tottenham from Leeds United in the summer before being loaned back.

Clarke, 19, was recently recalled by Spurs following a loan spell at Leeds United and is expected to be loaned out again this month.

A host of Championship clubs, including Millwall, QPR, Stoke and Boro, are all reportedly interested in the teenager, yet Woodgate thinks a move to Teesside is unlikely.

“Really like him,” said the Boro boss when asked about Clarke ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Derby. “He’s a really, really top player and he’s a Spurs player at the minute.

“I do like Jack Clarke, are we going to get him? I don’t think so but he’s a good, good player.”

Woodgate was also asked about recent speculation linking top scorer Britt Assombalonga away from the club.

The 27-year-old frontman has missed Boro’s last seven games with an ankle injury but could return for next week’s trip to Fulham.

Aston Villa have been credited with interest in Assombalonga as they look for a new striker to replace the injured Wesley Moraes.

But when asked about reports concerning his star striker, Woodgate played down the recent transfer talk.

“I haven’t heard nothing,” said the Boro boss. “Neil (Bausor) or no one has mentioned anything to me, it’s just what I read in the paper.

“People sometimes chance it, ‘I’m in the know’, I’m not too sure they are.”