Who is Jack Clake? The ex-Leeds United winger linked with Middlesbrough, Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday

According to Sky Sports, Boro, Stoke and Swansea are among the Championship clubs who are interested in the wideman, while Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry have also been credited with interest.

Here’s what we know about the former Leeds United man:

Who is Jack Clarke?

Clarke came through the academy at Leeds and broke into the senior side during the 2018/19 season when he made 24 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

At the end of the season, Tottenham snapped up the winger for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of £10 million, before loaning Clarke back to Leeds in the Championship.

Yet the following season was a struggle as the wideman made just one league appearance for the Whites and was recalled by Spurs in January last year.

Boro were linked with the player 12 months ago, yet Clarke joined QPR instead where he made just six league appearances.

This season, the 20-year-old has made just two appearances for Spurs in the Europa League.

What type of player is he?

Clarke is a natural wide player who likes to run and beat defenders with the ball at his feet.

During his 2018/19 breakthrough season at Leeds, the winger completed 27 successful dribbles during his 24 appearances in all competitions.

Clarke has a quick burst of pace which allows him to beat opponents and open up space for others.

At Leeds, Bielsa used Clarke on both the right and left flanks in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system Boro have deployed in recent weeks.

The main area which some will feel Clarke could improve is his physicality and goalscoring contributions.

In his 28 appearances for Leeds, Clarke managed just two goals and two assists, while his spell at QPR ended with no goals or assists as he was used sparingly off the bench.

What are the chances of Boro signing him?

Boro boss Neil Warnock has said he wants to sign another winger this month, and that talks have been taking place with Premier League clubs about potential loan deals.

The Teessiders are assessing their options, looking at players who aren’t playing regularly and may become available, so it’s almost certain that Clarke will have been spotted.

When Boro were linked with Clarke last January, Jonathan Woodgate admitted he would like to sign the player but a deal would be difficult.

Following the player’s lack of game time during his previous two loan spells, it’s likely Spurs will want assurances that their man will receive regular game time if he is sent out on loan.

If Clarke does join Boro he would have to force his way into the team due to the form of Marcus Tavernier and Marvin Johnson on the flanks.

With other Championship clubs seemingly interested, Clarke will want to choose the best option which will best aid his development.

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