Mitchell Clark is currently on loan at Port Vale from Aston Villa.
Dean Smith got off to an excellent start as Aston Villa manager on Saturday with a 1-0 win over Swansea City, but his attention has to quickly turn to the future of one of his young stars.
Clark, 19, has impressed on loan at Vale and he has since gained interest from multiple Premier League clubs, with his future at Villa Park in doubt.
West Ham United and Newcastle United are interested in versatile defender Clark, according to The Sunday Mirror (print edition, page 67, October 21, 2018). It is believed both clubs are watching the teenager.
Clark has a contract at Villa until the end of the season and although he will be allowed to leave the Midlands outfit on a free transfer at the end of the season, compensation will be required as he is under 23 years of age.
But with his deal expiring, his future remains in doubt and a move to either Newcastle or West Ham will surely be tempting for Clark, who has shown he can play anywhere in defence.
Clark has starred for Vale and already has appearances for Villa under his belt despite only being 19. Letting him go, then, would surely be a mistake by Smith.
The former Brentford boss simply has to offer him a new long-term deal and tie his future to the club for the foreseeable future, rather than letting Newcastle or West Ham have the chance of landing him.
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