Leeds United bid to sign Jack Clarke takes £15m twist as down payment offered
Ipswich Town have tabled a bid for Leeds United-linked Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, according to The Times.
In a transfer round-up on the newspaper’s website (21 August), the Times said Premier League new boys Ipswich have put forward a package including a down payment of £15million.
The Time said the Black Cats reportedly want a fee closer to £20m with the Tractor Boys willing to include add-ons to get closer to that sum in a deal that would likely blow Leeds out of the water. TEAMtalk previously reported a fee closer to £25m is wanted by Sunderland.
The Whites are credited with an interested in re-signing the 23-year-old, who was sold to Tottenham in 2019, while Southampton and Bournemouth are also said to be interested.
Leeds United likely to miss out on Jack Clarke
Clarke was only 18 when Spurs signed him and immediately loaned him back to Leeds but struggled to make an impact in North London and was shipped out on loan to QPR and Stoke City.
Another temporary stint at Sunderland was turned into a full transfer back in July 2022 and Clarke has become a firm fan’s favourite at the Stadium of Light with a string of impressive performances in the Championship.
Premier League interest has inevitably resurfaced, so it also felt ambitious when it was reported Leeds were wanting to bring the 23-year-old back to West Yorkshire (Sunday Mirror, 18 August), even accounting for the cash raised by the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Glen Kamara.
And it is hard to see them going close to the sort of sums Ipswich are willing to offer. Moreover, even if they do, will Clarke be willing to reject the overtures of the top flight with the Tractor Boys?
If feels like this one is now a complete none-starter from a Leeds point of view.
In other Leeds United news, one player has boarded a plan with a view to moving to Elland Road.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.