Jack Clarke to Middlesbrough: Is it a good potential move? Would he start? What does he offer? | OneFootball

Having opted to replace Neil Warnock with Chris Wilder earlier this month, it will be interesting to see how Middlesbrough will fare under the guidance of their new manager in the Championship over the coming months.

With the transfer window set to open in January, Wilder may opt to stamp his own authority on the club’s squad by drafting in some fresh faces.

One of individuals who has recently been linked with a move to Middlesbrough is Jack Clarke.

As reported by Football League World last week, Boro are one of three Championship sides who are interested in signing the winger on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

Sheffield United and Barnsley are also believed to be keeping tabs on Clarke.

Here, we have decided to take a look at whether this would be a good move for Boro, whether Clarke would start in the Championship and what he offers as a player.

After failing to score or provide an assist during his spell for the Hoops in the 2019/20 campaign, the winger was also relatively poor at the bet365 Stadium last season as he only managed to show glimpses of his talent in the 14 appearances that he made for the Potters.

Taking this into consideration, it could be argued that Boro will be taking a risk if they sign Clarke as there is no guarantee that he will be able to deliver the goods in the Championship.

Wilder will need to be certain that Clarke will be able to make a positive impact at this level before pushing ahead with a move.

Would he start?

When you consider that Wilder has deployed a 3-5-2 formation in his first three games in charge of Middlesbrough, Clarke may have to be used as a substitute if he seals a move to the Riverside Stadium as this set-up relies heavily on the inclusion of full-backs.

Marc Bola and Isaiah Jones currently occupy these two positions whilst there is a chance that Djed Spence could be recalled from his loan spell in January.

If Spurs want Clarke to play regular first-team football next year, they may find it beneficial to send him to another club instead of sanctioning a switch to Boro.

What does he offer?

A versatile player who is capable of playing on either wing, Clarke is known primarily for his dribbling skills.

45 appearances in the Championship.

If Clarke is able to step up to the mark for a team in this division later this season, he could potentially revive his career.