Leeds United may be expecting a fight to hold onto Jack Clarke this summer, with the winger attracting Premier League attention.
Leeds’ frustration over not getting a deal for Daniel James across the line during the January transfer window may have been compounded this week with The Sun reporting that Manchester City now want the £7 million-rated Wales international.
James’ form since failing to complete a move to Elland Road has suggested that he could have made a real impact in Leeds’ promotion push. And it would appear that they will now be underdogs for his signature in the summer, with Pep Guardiola reportedly interested in signing the youngster.
But perhaps Leeds not managing to sign the Swansea ace would have one particular positive for Marcelo Bielsa – if Manchester City are the team to win the race.
It was also The Sun that reported in December that the Cityzens wanted to sign Leeds starlet Jack Clarke in January. And given the teenager’s frightening potential, it would be little surprise if he remained on the Premier League champions’ radar heading into the summer.
But if City manage to sign James from the Swans – which should arguably be easier with the 21-year-old having just one year left on his contract (via The Sun) at a time where the Swans face some financial concerns (via Independent) – it perhaps seems less likely that they will retain an immediate interest in Clarke as well.
City already have an incredible group of wide players, and it may not do either target too many favours if they both joined at the same time, unless they were immediately loaned out.
So while Bielsa’s preference would have been to have both James and Clarke in his ranks heading into the final eight games of the campaign and beyond, perhaps his January target is about to do him a favour and make keeping Clarke a slightly easier task this summer.
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