Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is reportedly interested in a move for Leeds United’s teenage sensation Jack Clarke.
According to the Daily Mirror’s live transfer blog (7:03am, 6 December), the Blues have joined Premier League rivals Manchester City in lining up a raid for the attacker.
The report details that both top-flight clubs could test the resolve of Championship side Leeds with official bids when the January transfer window.
But is the 18-year-old the real deal that Chelsea should be going all out to bring to Stamford Bridge?
Clarke is a product of the Leeds academy and has made his first-team breakthrough this season at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa.
The left-winger is a fleet-footed attacker with brilliant dribbling and confidence, something that has seen him take to the Championship with relative ease.
He’s picked up one assist in his five senior Leeds appearances so far and he could well be in line for his first start imminently after some impressive cameos.
There is no doubt that the rising star looks a top prospects, but it would be some risk for Chelsea to shell out for him at this moment due to his lack of experience.
The Blues already have several talented youngsters in their ranks and there is nothing yet to suggest Clarke is on the same wavelength of Chelsea’s product Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Leeds’ busy fixture list in December should give Clarke more opportunities and it would have to take something special from him to show he’s ready for a move, as it makes little sense for him to leave Elland Road if he’s earning regular football.