Spurs making progress in £8.5m transfer talks – report

Talks between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United over a deal for young winger Jack Clarke are progressing, according to the London Evening Standard.

Last week we relayed a report suggesting Spurs were closing in on a £15 million deal for Clarke, who would then re-join Leeds on a season-long loan.

However, the Evening Standard claims a fee of just £8.5 million plus add-ons is likely to be agreed between the clubs, and Clarke isn’t expected to return to Elland Road for the 2019/20 campaign.

The 18-year-old made his Championship debut last season and went on to score two goals and provide two assists in 22 league games, 20 of which were substitute appearances.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is apparently keen to sign young players from the Football League, a strategy the club has moved away from in recent years.

Mauricio Pochettino has a strong track record with developing young English stars, so a move for Clarke makes a lot of sense.

The Standard adds that Spurs are stilling working on a deal for Lyon’s Tanguy Ndombele, but right now it looks like Clarke will become the club’s first signing since January 2018.