Leeds United have been mentioned as a suitor for Matt Clarke.
According to The News, Portsmouth are looking for a bidding war in the race to sign defender Matt Clarke, with a host of clubs interested.
Pompey missed out on promotion to the Championship, having lost 1-0 on aggregate to Sunderland in the League One playoffs, with Kenny Jackett no doubt planning for another promotion push next season.
Keeping hold of exciting young players like Jamal Lowe, Ben Close and Ronan Curtis will be important, but it seems that defender Clarke will be moving on.
Clarke, 22, joined Pompey from Ipswich Town in 2016 after a successful loan spell, and has now racked up 175 appearances for Portsmouth having become a key player at Fratton Park.
Now though, The News claim that Pompey are looking for a bidding war for Clarke this summer, with Brighton and Hove Albion leading the chase.
However, Bristol City, Hull City, Leeds United, Reading and Stoke City are also thought to be interested, with Portsmouth hoping all get involved so they can demand a huge fee for the centre back.
Leeds will surely be in the market for another natural centre back regardless of Pontus Jansson’s future, and Clarke is a strong, powerful defender with huge potential, making him a potentially smart signing.
Clarke will cost millions though, and whether Leeds have that kind of money to spend after missing out on promotion remains to be seen, with Brighton understandably favourites.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
