Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Jack Clarke, and may pay a seven-figure fee initially.
It appears that Tottenham are closing in on ending their long wait for a brand new signing, with The Sun on Sunday (23/6; page 61) reporting over the weekend that Spurs are set to sign Jack Clarke this summer.
Tottenham fans will probably be hoping that Clarke – if he does join – is the first of many, with some of the other names who follow him through the door much more established players who are much more likely to be ready to make an immediate impact for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
But given the reported terms of the deal that is set to see Clarke arrive, it appears that the move for the young winger could prove to be the real masterstroke whatever Tottenham go on to do this summer.
The Sun on Sunday (23/6; page 61) reports that Spurs are set to pay Leeds an initial fee of just £8.5 million for the teenager, with further add-ons also being agreed.
Clarke had a mixed first season at first-team level, so it may look like something of a gamble to pay that amount. But given that the likes of Manchester City (via The Sun) and Liverpool (via Express) have also been chasing the youngster since he made his professional debut, it looks a safe bet to predict that paying a seven-figure fee will prove to be inspired business.
When Clarke was at his best last season, he was frightening. Even after full-backs had realised that he liked to run at them before then darting towards the line, they still seemed unable to stop him.
He appears to have every chance of making an exciting impact in the Premier League as early as next season. So you would have to question Leeds’ decision to accept an initial fee of just £8.5 million.
In years to come, that figure could well prove to be the kind of fee that leaves plenty scratching their heads wondering what his current club were thinking.
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