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Ipswich Town must be kicking themselves over Matt Clarke development

Matt Clarke of Portsmouth contests the ball with Marc Richards of Northampton Town during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and...
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The 21-year-old defender has signed a new deal until 2020 at Portsmouth.

Matt Clarke of Portsmouth tries to tackle Simon Dawkins of Derby County during the Capital One Cup First Round match between Portsmouth v Derby County at Fratton Park on August 12, 2015 in...Matt Clarke of Portsmouth

Portsmouth have announced some big news this week, with the revelation that central-defender Matt Clarke has signed a new deal at Fratton Park, keeping him at Pompey until the summer of 2020.

He has been in fine form this season for Portsmouth, even attracting interest from Championship leaders Wolves, and fans of the club were ecstatic to see he has decided to remain with the club.

But one Championship team who must be kicking themselves over his incredible run of form and popularity will be Ipswich Town.

Matt Clarke of Portsmouth contests the ball with Marc Richards of Northampton Town during the Sky Bet League Two match between Northampton Town and Portsmouth at Sixfields Stadium on...Matt Clarke of Portsmouth

Clarke may be at Pompey now but the 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at Ipswich Town.

He initially headed out on loan to Fratton Park from Portman Road in 2015 before making the deal permanent, in a deal which saw Aaron Webster head in the other direction.

Webster has proven a good player for Ipswich, but fans of the club will undoubtedly be wondering why Ipswich did not give him a chance to thrive in the first-team at Portman Road.

Cameron Jerome of Norwich City challenges for the ball with Christophe Berra and Adam Webster of Ipswich Town during the Sky Bet Championship match between Ipswich Town and Norwich City at...Cameron Jerome of Norwich City challenges for the ball with Christophe Berra and Adam Webster

Clarke, who can play at centre-back, left-back or even as a holding midfielder, is a top talent who looks to have the ability to perhaps play Premier League one day.

Ipswich will be hoping that the departure of Clarke does not come back to kick them in the teeth more than it already has.