Jack Clarke is making an outstanding contribution at Leeds United, with the talented winger making big improvements every time he takes to the Elland Road field.  

Leeds head-coach Marcelo Bielsa has held Clarke back since his debut in October, refusing to cave into the pressure from the terrace and start the 18-year-old blindly.

A number of 45-minute cameos were made, but on Friday, against Derby County, Clarke was handed a full league debut.

He excelled, registering his second assist of the season and causing Derby’s left-side numerous problems.

As expected, there’s top-flight interest, but the Mirror are reporting that Leeds are warning the Premier League sides that their winger is not for sale this month.

It’s a bold stance, but the promotion-chasing Whites seem adamant that Clarke will not be on his way out.

Here at FLW, we take a look at FOUR reasons why their stance is the right one…

They are pushing for promotion

Leeds haven’t played Premier League football since 2004, but they have a great opportunity to return to the top table of English football this season under Bielsa.

Bielsa needs to be backed in the transfer window in terms of incomings and outgoings.

They can’t afford to lose a key cog of their side, if they do, promotion becomes less likely.

Clarke’s age

Clarke is 18 and has his best well ahead of him.

The player’s peak probably won’t come for 10 years and he’s improving every time he takes to the field.

Losing him at this age would be so disappointing. Leeds should be looking to benefit from him long-term.

What the winger brings

 

Jack Harrison and Ezgjan Alioski are both good wingers, but they lack the raw pace that Clarke brings to the side.

Clarke glides past players as if they aren’t there and has a final ball to match that.

His pace is invaluable to this Leeds side, he’s almost irreplaceable already.

Valuation

 

Right now, Leeds couldn’t demand £10-15m for Clarke because he hasn’t played enough first-team football.

However, in 12 months, if he continues to develop like he is, he will be worth a fortune.

Leeds have to consider that, give him a new contract and, if he wants to leave in a year, they’ll be able to demand a fortune.