Promotion-pushing Sheffield United are reportedly moving in to sign Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke on loan until the end of the season.
The Blades missed out on signing Hertha Berlin right-back Jonjoe Kenny but seem to have found their replacement target in Harry Clarke.
This comes from journalist Mike McGrath, who has reported that Clarke is to move to Sheffield United. The sides are currently discussing a loan deal until the end of the season.
The Blades’ rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, were also interested in the defender, but it seems Chris Wilder’s side have won the race for Clarke.
How has Harry Clarke fared at Ipswich?
Clarke played a pivotal role for Kieran Mckenna’s side last season, helping them win promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but the 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact this season.
The defender missed the start of the season due to surgery in the summer, and his gametime since recovering has been inconsistent, making only eight appearances in the league, missing the past five matches.
Clarke’s only appearance in cup competitions was from off the bench in a 3-0 win in the FA Cup against Bristol Rovers.
Overall, it has been a difficult campaign for Clarke, making only nine appearances for Ipswich this season, with the minutes played totalling just shy of 400, picking up two yellow cards, with one resulting in a red.
Blades beat rivals for Clarke’s signature.
According to Mike McGrath, Clarke is to move to the Blades, with the likelihood being a six-month loan,
Clarke was not United’s only option, with Wilder’s side trying for Jonjo Kenny, but second-division Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin would not sanction the deal.
The Blades were not the only side wanting the 23-year-old’s signature; fierce rivals Sheffield Wednesday also wanted the right-back to help bolster their squad but have missed out with Pete O’Rourke reporting that Clarke will undergo a medical at Sheffield United.
Blades bolster their squad.
United have been busy this winter window, already bringing in Hamza Choudhury on loan from Leicester and his teammate Tom Cannon on a permanent deal; they have also brought back Ben Brereton Diaz, a loanee from last season.
Clarke will be the fourth signing of the window and could help strengthen Wilder’s defence as they push for promotion.
The former Arsenal defender can play both on the right and left, which could give United the chance to rotate their team and have more flexibility at the back to change their formation if needed.
Alfie Gilchrist currently plays on the right but is more suited to playing centrally; Clarke’s signing could help put Gilchrist in his natural position, as there may be more flexibility at the back to move players around.
It will be interesting to see if Harry Clarke signs for Sheffield United and if he can contribute to this promotion battle.