Leeds are being pushed into starting Jack Clarke when they’d really rather not

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Leeds could start Jack Clarke this evening.

Leeds United sensation Jack Clarke could be in line for a start at Elland Road this evening.

For the club the circumstances are far from ideal.

Clarke is Leeds’ best attacking option due to a raft of injuries, notably to playmaker Pablo Hernandez.

18-year-old Clarke is a possibility to replace Hernandez in the number 10 role against Derby.

For Leeds this is one game where they would really rather not start Clarke, if they could have helped it.

It’s January, in the midst of the transfer window, and this is a televised game on SkySports with no other matches going up against it.

If Clarke was the Championship’s best kept secret, by Saturday morning he could be the name on every scout’s list and moving up the wanted list of Premier League clubs.

This would be Clarke’s first start, after 11 substitute appearances which have seen him score once and provide two assists.

The Sun reported last month that Manchester City are interested and could make a bid this January for his services. That shows the calibre of club Leeds could have to fend off.

Leeds would really keep him under wraps if they could help it, but their need to win and team selection issues means they must throw that notion out the window.