Graham Potter has hinted that Matt Clarke may be given a chance in his Brighton & Hove Albion side this season.

This would come as a blow to West Brom, who remain interested in keeping the defender in the team beyond the summer.

Clarke spent the previous campaign on loan with the Baggies, where he played 33 times in the Championship as the team earned a 10th place finish.

But it now appears as though Potter may be willing to give the centre defender a chance with the Seagulls.

The Brighton boss claimed that the player has impressed him during pre-season so far and that no decision has yet been made over his future.

"We will see. He is a great lad, Matt, we like him a lot,” said Potter, via Sussex Live

“He has had a loan journey and then it's about seeing the next step is with us or carrying on that journey out. 

“But so far he has conducted himself really well, trained well, played the first 45 minutes [against Union SG], he will come to Portugal with us and we will keep assessing him in our own environment."

 

 

Clarke signed to the club from Portsmouth in 2019, but has yet to break into the team on a regular basis.

The defender has also enjoyed stints on loan with Derby County, where he even won the club’s player of the year award.

Bruce will be looking to improve his squad ahead of the upcoming season as his side aims to compete for promotion to the Premier League.

Their opening game comes on July 30 as the Baggies face an away trip to Middlesbrough.

The Verdict

There is still a chance that West Brom could have a chance to sign Clarke this summer.

But Clarke could prove a useful squad option for Potter this season as well, so the Championship club should be lining up alternative options.

Strengthening the defence should be seen as an area of need this summer, with midfield also in need of additions.

While Clarke performed well last season, there are other options available in the market that could improve the squad if this deal fails to materialise.