Middlesbrough's chances of signing Ipswich Town star Jack Clarke become clearer | OneFootball

Middlesbrough have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Jack Clarke after it was revealed the winger will not be leaving Portman Road this summer.

Ipswich Town are reportedly unwilling to allow winger Jack Clarke to leave the club this summer amid speculation linking him with a move to Middlesbrough.

That's according to the East Anglian Daily Times, who claim that Ipswich are not prepared to sanction Clarke's exit before Tuesday's transfer deadline, despite rumours about a potential switch to Middlesbrough emerging in recent days.

Middlesbrough targeting ambitious move for Ipswich Town winger Jack Clarke

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After missing out on promotion following defeat to Hull City in last season's play-off final, it has been a busy summer for Middlesbrough, and they have been one of the biggest spenders in the Championship.

While Boro have lost key players such as Dael Fry and Hayden Hackney, they have made a number of big money signings, including Radek Vitek, Ashley Phillips, Max Arfsten, Sebastian Berhalter, Kyle Joseph and Will Lankshear, while the likes of Sam Byram and Myles Peart-Harris have also arrived on free transfers to bolster the squad.

With a few days remaining in the transfer window, Boro's recruitment drive is not complete just yet, with a €5 million deal (£4.3 million) for Hadjuk Split midfielder Rokas Pukštas believed to be close, and it seems they are also targeting further attacking reinforcements.

Boro have been credited with an interest in Leicester City winger Stephy Mavididi, who is said to be valued at £6 million by the Foxes, while journalist Alan Nixon claims that Boro are also considering an ambitious loan move for Ipswich star Clarke.

Middlesbrough dealt Jack Clarke blow as Ipswich Town stance revealed

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Clarke joined Ipswich from Sunderland in the summer of 2024 for an initial fee of £15 million, plus a further £5 million in potential add-ons, and after a tough first year at the club in the Premier League, he starred in the Championship last season.

The 25-year-old scored 16 goals and provided two assists in 46 league appearances for the Tractor Boys last season to help them to automatic promotion as the Suffolk side secured second place on the final day of the campaign.

However, despite his impressive numbers, Clarke was often used as a substitute by then manager Kieran McKenna, with exactly half of his appearances coming from the bench, raising questions about how much he would be involved in the top flight.

While he was again limited to a substitute role, Clarke made a big impact on the opening weekend for Ipswich after his second half introduction, scoring a 90th-minute winner to earn a 2-1 victory for Gary O'Neil's side over his former club Sunderland.

It seems Clarke's match-winning contribution has been enough to cement himself in O'Neil's plans for the season, with the East Anglian Daily Times reporting that he is not available for transfer ahead of next week's deadline, despite the links with Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough may not be surprised by fresh Jack Clarke, Ipswich Town update

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With competition for places on the left from the likes of Jaden Philogene and new signing Daizen Maeda, Clarke may find himself used largely as an impact substitute again at Ipswich this season.

However, while he may not get as many minutes at Portman Road this season as he would like, it would still have been a big surprise to see him return to the Championship this summer after his outstanding form during the Tractor Boys' promotion-winning campaign.

Middlesbrough would have known that a move for Clarke was always likely to be just out of reach, and they must now turn their attention elsewhere as they look to bring in a quality left winger that their exciting attack is currently lacking.