Leeds United, Stoke City and Brighton and Hove Albion reportedly want to sign Matthew Clarke of Portsmouth.
Clarke is a very good central defender and has been linked with a number of clubs, including Leeds.
According to The News, Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion are interested in the centre-back, while The Times has claimed of interest from Championship Leeds and Stoke in the 22-year-old, who is valued at £4 million.
Portsmouth chief executive Catlin has outlined the club’s plan regarding Clare, and has suggested that Pompey plan to start a bidding war.
TEAMtalk quotes Catlin as saying about Clarke: “If there’s a demand for any player and more than one entity wanting that, it assists in driving the price up. It’s like a painting. What’s the value of a player? It’s not anything that’s comparable.
“With a painting what you ideally want is multiple bidders. Then it can become a self-perpetuating upward spiral at that point. That’s what you are looking for.”
Matthew Clarke exit
Catlin’s aforementioned comments suggest that Portsmouth are willing to sell Clarke, and that will be encouraging for Leeds and Stoke.
However, with Brighton also reportedly interested, the Championship duo do face a fight to secure the services of the 22-year-old.
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