Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has backed Ezgjan Alioski to fulfil the role currently offered by Jack Clarke, if the winger does indeed return to Tottenham in the January transfer window.

Clarke immediately rejoined Leeds on a season-long loan in the summer after making a permanent move to the Premier League side, but has so far made just three senior appearances in all competitions since his move back to Elland Road.

That has left Whelan convinced that Clarke will be recalled by Tottenham when the transfer window reopens in January, although the number of alternative options available to manager Marcelo Bielsa, means that he does not believe the club will look to sign a replacement for the teenager.

Discussing the situation around Clarke and his potential second departure from Elland Road, Whelan told Football Insider: “There’s no doubt Jack Clarke will leave as Tottenham won’t allow him to stay on the bench all season.

“Leeds have plenty of wide men in the squad so I don’t expect they will sign someone to replace him.

“You’ve got Jack Harrison, Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez…Jamie Shackleton and Stuart Dallas can play there as well and Alioski is a brilliant weapon as well."

Alioski has fallen behind Stuart Dallas in the pecking order at left-back for Leeds this season, although Whelan seems to feel that Clarke's expected departure could benefit the Macedonian, as he continued: “I can see him filling in as a winger, and replacing Clarke, if the first choices like Harrison and Costa are out, or come off.

"He’s played there most of his career, can create and score goals and is one of the best finishers in the squad.

“It’s been tough on him to lose his regular place at left-back, but that’s only because Stuart Dallas has been outstanding.

“He’s been coming on and scoring as a substitute, which shows that Bielsa’s selections are working. Everyone seems to be happy with their role and playing well.”

In total, Alioski has made 18 league appearances for Leeds this season, with 12 of those coming from the start, and the 27-year-old scoring four goals to help his side to second in the current Championship standings, ten points clear of the play-off places.

The Verdict

I do think Whelan has a point here.

Even with Clarke struggling for game time, Bielsa's side look to be well on their way to promotion from the Championship this season, so it doesn't seem as though he is someone they really need to go out and look to sign a replacement for in January.

Indeed, in Alioski, they have got someone who even this season has shown he has the attacking instincts necessary to operate in that more forward role, and given his popularity around the club, you imagine an extended run in the side afforded to him by Clarke's departure is something that could still go down well around Elland Road.