With a host of Championship clubs linked with Jack Marriott, the race for his signature was never going to be straightforward. 

However, Peterborough manager Steve Evans has revealed that there is now interest in the former Ipswich man from Europe, pushing his valuation even higher.

Speaking to the printed version of the Football League Paper via the Nottingham Post, Evans said: “Jack is wanted by several big Championship clubs and I can tell you exclusively that one European club have been watching him closely in recent weeks – and on Thursday sought a valuation from our chairman. Mark my words, this kid is going to the top.”

Marriott, who is valued at in excess of £5m by Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, is reportedly being pursued by Nottingham Forest, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United on the back of a tremendous season at London Road.

He joined Peterborough from Luton Town in the summer, frustrated by the lack of game time at Kenilworth Road. That came just one season after his release from Ipswich Town.

The Verdict

Steve Evans building up his players price with outlandish statements in the media? Well I never.

Evans will never change, he's a wheeler dealer and he knows the lad will move on in the summer. His job is to increase the price as much as possible and there was no surprise when the pantomime started this week in the Football League Paper.