Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace would be smart to revisit a move for this £10m star who joined London rivals in the summer
Why Crystal Palace should go back in the market for Jack Clarke in January
According to the Express, Crystal Palace could get a chance to bring summer target Jack Clarke to the club in January, with the report claiming that Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up the possibility of recalling the teenager from his loan spell at Leeds United midway through the season.
Having enjoyed an impressive breakout season at Elland Road the last term, the 18-year-old completed a £10 million switch to Spurs earlier in the summer before being loaned back to his boyhood club immediately to further his development.
However, things haven’t really gone according to the script for the highly-rated teenager after returning to his former club on loan, with Clarke yet to start a game for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the Championship.
The EFL rules prevent managers from selecting more than five loanees in a matchday squad and with Jack Harrison, Ben White, Helder Costa, Eddie Nketiah and Illan Meslier already on that list, Bielsa cannot be completely blamed for not handing Clarke enough first-team action.
The winger’s involvement has been limited to only a couple of appearances in the Carabao Cup, which hardly makes sense for his development, and, as per the report, Spurs are very much disappointed with Leeds’ handling of the youngster.
The Express understands that Spurs are planning to recall Jack Clarke from his loan spell but, should they do so in January, they are going to loan him out again, amidst claims that West Ham and Crystal Palace could pounce on the opportunity to sign the talented winger until the end of the season.
Crystal Palace have made a promising start to their campaign with 2 wins and a draw from their first five Premier League fixtures, including a surprise 2-1 victory over Man United at Old Trafford.
Despite that, however, the Eagles have once again looked quite toothless in the attacking third and one cannot help but wonder as to what might have been the reason behind the club’s reluctance to bring in attacking reinforcements this summer.
Palace certainly had money to spend following the big-money sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Man United but they hardly showed any kind of intent in the transfer window to bolster their attack, having scored only 51 goals the last term.
That number was one of the poorest outside the relegation zone in the previous campaign, and a tally of just 3 goals in 5 games this term indicates that the club is going down the same path once again.
To put things into perspective, Palace need to freshen up things with some exciting transfers if they are to challenge for better things than just avoiding relegation and someone like Jack Clarke could be a useful addition to an attacking unit that is overly reliant on Wilfried Zaha, Jordan Ayew and Andros Townsend.
Zaha, Townsend, Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer are all capable of playing out wide but Clarke is likely to add that X-Factor to the ranks with his youthful exuberance, pace, skills and ability to beat a man in one-on-one situations.
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With that in mind, the 18-year-old is still very much a work in progress and Palace should not hesitate to sign him on loan in January if Spurs choose to terminate his loan spell midway through the season.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Sign Manchester United Defender on Loan Until End of Season as Young Centre Back Seeks Regular First Team Football
Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Lucy Newell on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. The Eagles announced the deal via their official club website this evening as they strengthen their defensive options for the second half of the Championship campaign.
The 19 year old Shrewsbury born centre back has been with Manchester United since 2023. She initially signed dual registration terms with The Red Devils from third tier West Bromwich Albion before joining permanently the following year, signing her first professional contract just months later.
Development Continues Through Loan Spells
Newell has furthered her development in recent loan spells with Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City. This represents a smart move for the youngster, who needs regular first team football to continue pushing on rather than sitting on the bench at Manchester United watching from the sidelines.
The defender has represented England at various youth levels up to and including Under 20 level, demonstrating her potential and pedigree at international standard. Crystal Palace manager Jo Potter expressed delight at securing the loan signing.
Potter Praises Promising Talent
“We are delighted to have Lucy join us at Palace. She is a promising talent who has already gained some good experience at club and international level,” Potter said. This is exactly the kind of young, hungry player Crystal Palace need as they look to solidify their Championship status.
Newell could go straight into the Crystal Palace squad for Sunday’s Barclays WSL2 fixture against Durham. The Eagles will hope her Manchester United pedigree and international experience can help shore up their defence during a crucial period.
Palace currently sit mid table in the Championship and will view Newell’s arrival as an excellent opportunity to add quality depth to their defensive options.
Also read: Why Will Arsenal Defender Emily Fox Miss Manchester United League Cup Semi Final?
Manchester United officially recalled 19-year-old midfielder Emma Watson from her season-long loan at Crystal Palace on January 12, 2026.
The Scotland international was set to spend the entire campaign at the South London club but returned to her parent club at the halfway point.
Watson becomes the third Manchester United player recalled this January window following Evie Rabjohn and Keira Barry as head coach Marc Skinner strategically reshapes his squad depth for the title push ahead.
Crystal Palace Development Period
Watson joined Crystal Palace in August 2025 on a season-long loan after spending the previous campaign on loan at Everton. During her time at Palace, she made eight competitive appearances and scored two goals, including an assist against Sunderland in October.
She earned the TEN Player of the Month award following impressive displays throughout October when she scored a brace against Ipswich Town. Her performances demonstrated maturity and composure as she adapted quickly to senior football demands despite her young age and new surroundings.
Manchester United’s Strategic Recruitment Window
Watson returns to Carrington as Manchester United completed signings of Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich and Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave.
The club aims to build squad depth across all positions for their title challenge and four-competition objectives. Watson made her Manchester United debut in November 2024 during a Women’s League Cup group-stage clash with Everton before scoring her first goal against Newcastle United in the same competition. An anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained while on international duty in September 2023 initially impacted her development but she has since returned to full fitness.
Uncertain Future Path
Manchester United has not confirmed whether Watson will feature in first team plans or could be sold to another club during the remainder of the January window. Her return provides Marc Skinner with attacking midfield options as United bid to challenge Manchester City for the league title while maintaining their Champions League and domestic cup ambitions.
Also read: After two-and-a-half years, Janice Cayman departs Leicester City for PSV
Crystal Palace have announced the departure of midfielder Shanade Hopcroft, who leaves the club at the end of her contract. The 28 year old previously signed a short term extension at the start of the season but will now seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Hopcroft joined Crystal Palace in summer 2023 after leaving capital rivals London City Lionesses. The midfielder played a starring role as The Eagles won the Barclays WSL2 title in 2023-24, securing long awaited promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
Injury Struggles Limited Top Flight Appearances
Hopcroft’s top tier game time was severely limited after suffering rotten luck with injuries. She was able to turn out for Crystal Palace in the WSL on just three occasions before the club’s relegation back to the Championship.
The midfielder has been a regular in the Crystal Palace side this season and returned to good form. She helped the team gradually get their season back on track after an initial slow start to the campaign, leaving South London off the back of a three match winning run in WSL2.
Next Move Unknown for In Form Midfielder
Hopcroft’s next career move is not yet known, however she will not be short of offers for her services given her performances in the Championship. The experienced midfielder has proven herself capable at both WSL2 and top flight level when fit.
Crystal Palace will need to replace Hopcroft’s experience in midfield as they look to mount another promotion challenge. The Eagles currently sit mid table in the Championship after recovering from their difficult start to the season following immediate relegation from the WSL.
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