Leeds United winger Jack Clarke is reportedly a target for Premier League outfit Southampton. Can he be the new Walcott, Bale or Oxlade-Chamberlain?
Since the turn of the century, Southampton fans have had the pleasure of seeing three wonderful teenage wingers hone their considerable talents at St Mary’s.
First there was Theo Walcott, a first-team player at the age of 16 who went on to enjoy a long and successful spell at Arsenal. Next came Gareth Bale, the Welsh wizard who became the world’s most expensive footballer seven years after his Saints debut.
And most recently was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, a powerful and dynamic forward who shone in red and white and helped Liverpool reach the Champions League final last season.
But have Southampton found another fresh-faced winger with the potential to follow in Walcott, Bale and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s footsteps? Possibly, with Calciomercato claiming that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are keen to bring Leeds United wonderkid Jack Clarke to the South Coast.
Now, the 18-year-old might have started just one league game in his short career but anyone who has watched him in action will tell you just what a thrilling talent he is. Clarke was fantastic in Leeds’ 2-0 win against promotion rivals Derby County on Friday, setting up the first goal and having a major hand in the second.
In fact, he has been a revelation since bursting into the Leeds team in the autumn and now looks almost integral to Marcelo BIelsa’s plans. So the chances of The Whites letting him go look very unlikely.
The Mirror report that Leeds have told a number of Premier League suitors that the fleet-footed attacker is not for sale. They recently handed him the biggest contract for an U18 player in the club’s history.
If Southampton can somehow convince Leeds to cash in, potentially in the summer, Clarke has the natural talent to follow in the footsteps of Walcott, Bale or Oxlade-Chamberlain. He would be worth the money.
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