Everton chasing another English youngster

A lot of the younger talent that Everton have been linked with in recent months have been of the homegrown variety, and the latest name to pop up is an English youngster as well.

Sean Clare of Sheffield Wednesday is reportedly being keenly watched by a number of clubs, including the Blues and other Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Southampton along with Sunderland and Norwich.

The 21-year-old midfielder is rated as a right-footed central attacking midfielder, and despite his 6’3” frame, is considered quick and nimble in the mould of Spurs’ Dele Alli. The Owls play a 3-5-2 and Clare has been playing on the right side of a midfield trio, much like Blues’ Tom Davies.

Born in London, Clare spent five years in Charlton Athletic’s youth system before going out on loan for most of the last couple of seasons, playing at League One sides Bury and Gillingham, with a half-season stint at Accrington Stanley as well. After returning to the Owls’ Under-23 side following his Gillingham spell, he finally made the breakthrough to the Owls senior squad.

New Wednesday manager Jos Luhukay promoted him to the first team in the middle of January and Clare scored his first senior goal this last weekend in just his second start in the Championship. He opened the scoring in the 4-2 loss at home against Aston Villa with a neatly-placed shot from the edge of the box.

From another news report about the interest in Clare, HITC noted that the midfielder shined in his time at Gillingham, scoring once and assisting thrice in 26 games playing mostly as a midfielder and even occasionally as a right wing back.

The article also adds -

He was part of the Sheffield Wednesday Under-23s side which won the Professional Development League title last season... alongside recent first team inductees Jordan Thorniley - a former Everton trainee - and Jack Stobbs, as well as the highly rated England youth international, George Hirst - who has been linked with moves to Everton and Leicester.

Clare’s current contract expires this coming summer and he has so far spurned new contract offers from the Owls. Should the Blues decide to make a move for the youngster, a transfer fee will have to be agreed with the club as the player is still considered under 21 and has been offered a new contract, failing which the Toffees would face a tribunal hearing.