West Brom are battling Championship rivals Sheffield United to sign Brighton defender Matt Clarke in a deal expected to cost about £5 million, as reported by The Sun (11 July, page 61).
While the 24-year-old has impressed during two seasons on loan at Derby County – displaying the kind of modern, ball-playing style that would suit Graham Potter down to the ground – it’s hard to imagine Clarke forcing his way into first-team contention at the Amex any time soon.
Even if Ben White leaves, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton all keen on the England international, Brighton aren’t exactly short of talented central defenders.
And Clarke, a 2019 signing from Portsmouth, appears to be behind Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk, Dan Burn and Joel Veltman in Potter’s pecking order.
That’s without mentioning Shane Duffy and Jan Paul van Hecke, both of whom will return to the club following loan spells at Celtic and Heerenveen respectively.
Clarke, then, may be allowed to leave if West Brom or Sheffield United are willing to pay the £5 million required.
West Brom eye Matt Clarke swoop
The Sun reports West Bromwich Albion have identified the 6ft 1in stopper as a potential addition to a side that conceded a division-high 76 goals en route to relegation last season.
Kyle Bartley, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future with Premier League clubs interested ahead of the final few weeks of the transfer window (Telegraph).
It’s understood Sheffield United are also interested in Clarke with Jack O’Connell facing the prospect of another lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery.
West Brom have already snapped up one proven Championship talent in the shape of former Barnsley captain Alex Mowatt.
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