Portsmouth have seen a resurgence in form over the last month or so after dropping off the automatic promotion places over the Christmas period.

A win on penalties against Sunderland in the final of the EFL Trophy at Wembley on Sunday was their fourth win on the bounce in all competitions, and meant they have lost just once in their last ten matches.

They now sit in third place in the League One table but five points behind Barnsley in second, meaning automatic promotion may be just out of reach.

One of the stars of Kenny Jackett’s season has been 22-year-old centre-back Matt Clarke, who put in another solid display at Wembley, and is the latest name to be linked with a host of clubs.

In the build up to the final on Sunday, the Times said that both Leeds United and Stoke City were interested in bringing him in.

With this in mind, here are the potential paths that Clarke’s career could follow in the near future…

Stick with Pompey

 

At 22, there is no need for Clarke to rush at all.

Under Kenny Jackett and at Fratton Park, he has first team spot for as long as he wants and will 100% get the chance to improve.

It would be a sensible decision for him to stay.

Push for Leeds

This is obviously a very exciting prospect for him.

It could be a smart move as well. Past Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper, the Whites only have Gaetano Berardi as first-team back-up.

However, Bielsa has been fiercely loyal to the pair so getting a chance without an injury could be tough.

Push for Stoke

This would be a riskier one.

In Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi, the Potters have two top centre-back options.

But if Nathan Jones is keen to freshen things up, then it could be a very good move for Clarke.