Leeds United are reportedly in the market for Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter, who is set to become a free agent in the summer.
According to a report from The Sun, Jake Clarke-Salter is staring at an uncertain future in the summer. The young defender has enjoyed a bright loan spell at Coventry City this season and while he is expected to return to his parent club Chelsea, his contract expires at the end of the season.
It essentially means Clarke-Salter could become a free agent in the summer if Chelsea do not activate the option to extend his contract for a further year. His precarious situation has left Leeds United on alert, although the Premier League outfit are facing competition from PSV Eindhoven.
A native of Carshalton, Clarke-Salter had been a part of the Chelsea youth setup since an early age. During his time at the west London club, the defender has embarked on loan spells at various places such as Birmingham City, Vitesse Arnhem and Sunderland. He moved to Coventry City last summer, in an attempt to make a breakthrough in the Championship.
The 24-year-old has not disappointed either. Clarke-Salter has become a defensive lynchpin for the Championship outfit, featuring in 29 league games. He has impressed the onlookers with his imposing 1.88m frame, coupled with his dogged defensive traits.
Clarke-Salter’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Leeds United interested in securing his services this summer. The Whites have struggled with injuries to key defensive players such as Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Luke Ayling and Diego Llorente this season, prompting Jesse Marsch to enter the market for a new centre-back.
Leeds United have been linked with a move for 1.FC Koln’s emerging defender Timo Hubers. But in Clarke-Salter, Marsch could find himself a defender who has considerable experience in second-tier English football and has the ability to make an impression in the Premier League.
There is a possibility of Clarke-Salter returning to Chelsea at the end of the season. But despite confirming new owners, the Blues are not in a position to agree new deals with existing stars until the owners get registered in the official books, thus opening the door for the defender to leave Stamford Bridge.
It opens up an opportunity for Leeds United, who will relish the opportunity to sign Jake Clarke-Salter on a free transfer this summer after he leaves Chelsea.
