Football
Exclusive: Ipswich’s Harry Clarke Set for Summer Exit as Hibs, Coventry and Bristol City Circle
Hibernian, Coventry City, and Bristol City are competing to sign Ipswich Town full-back Harry Clarke, who is out of contract next summer. The 24-year-old is open to staying at Ipswich but opportunities may be limited. Clarke has had successful loan spells and played a key role in Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League.
Aberdeen v Ipswich Town - Pre-Season Friendly by Mark Scates - SNS Group | Getty Images
Hibernian, Coventry and Bristol City have all expressed an interest in trying to sign Ipswich Town defender Harry Clarke, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. Fans looking to follow the latest transfer action and place predictions can check out our recommended football betting sites for odds and insights on Clarke’s potential next move.
Former Arsenal graduate Clarke spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United, with the Blades having narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
And our sources have learnt a trio of clubs have all been working behind the scenes to try and win the race for the 24-year-old right back’s sought-after signature.
Clarke is out of contract next summer and played just a handful of games for Ipswich last season as they got relegated from the Premier League. If you’re looking to back Clarke or any Championship side this weekend, check out our guide to betting sites with welcome bonus to get started with extra value on your first bet.
The Tractor Boys have signed former Manchester United and Everton right-back Ashley Young in the summer transfer window, so Clarke knows his playing opportunities might be limited.
Clarke is currently injured but he has been part of Ipswich’s pre-season plans so far ahead of the start of the new Championship this weekend, but our sources have learnt a bid to sign him is expected soon.
LOAN SPELLS
Clarke enjoyed a brief loan spell with Hibernian back in 2022 and also had a loan stint with another Scottish club, Ross County, the previous season.
Loan spells with Oldham Athletic and Stoke City were followed by a permanent deal with Ipswich in January 2023.
Clarke played 20 games in League One during the 2022-23 season, helping the club win promotion to the Championship.
The following season Clarke was a key player as the Tractor Boys won promotion to the top-flight. But he only played seven times in the Premier League and left for the Blades to get regular football.
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.