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Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa delivers update on future of on-loan Tottenham winger Jack Clarke

Will Butcher

Thu 21 November 2019 18:15, UK

ahead of Saturday’s trip to Luton Town as saying that there has been no contact between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur over Jack Clarke, but that Spurs will decide whether to cancel the loan in January.

Reports had suggested that there were talks taking place between Leeds and Spurs over Clarke’s future, before Mauricio Pochettino was sacked by the north London club on Tuesday. He has been replaced by Jose Mourinho.

Clarke, 18, broke into the Leeds side last season and his impressive form saw Tottenham spend £11.5million to land the young winger (). This season, though, he has failed to play single minute of Championship football, after returning on loan.

Bielsa was asked if the change of management at Tottenham will make any difference over Clarke’s situation, and Bielsa responded by saying he did not have any contact with Pochettino about Clarke previously. Bielsa also stated Tottenham will make an decision in January about the player’s future at Leeds.

“I never spoke with Pochettino about Jack Clarke,” Bielsa said. “I didn’t talk with anyone at Tottenham about him. About his job it’s the same situation. Every day I try to do the best for Clarke. After, Tottenham and Clarke will value if we are doing enough with him.”

TBR’s view – It makes sense for Clarke to return to Tottenham

Unfortunately, the five-man loan rule that prevents any Football League side from naming six loan players in their 18-man matchday squad has ruined Clarke’s chances of game time.

Leeds have Eddie Nketiah, Ben White, Helder Costa, Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison on loan. Other than Meslier, those four are crucial. Meslier is Leeds’ substitute goalkeeper – meaning Clarke is the odd one out.

A return to Spurs and a new loan at another Championship side should be the plan of action.