Report: Three Championship clubs keen on taking Leighton Clarkson on loan in January

The impressive performances of Leighton Clarkson north of the border have caught the eye of Championship clubs who are keen to take on loan for the rest of the season.

The 21 year-old academy graduate is certainly having his most substantial impact at senior level with Aberdeen in the Scottish premiership this season.

To date, the midfielder has made 19 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions including a couple of stunning strikes.

While it is important that Clarkson is getting regular game time, it is the impact that he is regularly making to his side which is a exciting development.

And with consistent talk about evolving the Liverpool midfield, if he keeps on this trajectory there may be a spot for him in the senior squad down the road.

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin recently spoke about Clarkson’s progress and sees his potential.

“We are really pleased with the progress he is making and Liverpool have kept really close tabs on him. They are delighted with his continued development, playing week in week out in the Scottish Premiership.

“He has been one of our better, more consistent players of the season. Leighton gives us that little creativity in the middle of the pitch.

"He is growing and growing from strength to strength I believe. Liverpool are delighted and are not looking to bring him back.”

And when young players catch the eye, naturally other clubs become alerted and that is the case with Clarkson with Reading, West Brom and QPR very keen to the chase to bring him to the Championship this month according to Football insider.

If this occurs, the Dons loan will be terminated and an arrangement made with his new club.

It is a decision that has to be made in the best interests of the player. Clarkson is naturally well settled at Aberdeen and incredibly well regarded by coaching staff and fans alike.

On the flip side, the Championship is widely regarded as one of the most challenging leagues in Europe, and basically if you pass the physical test as a emerging player, that is a major tick in the right direction.

In terms of Clarkson himself, he may see a chance of returning to the Championship as the ultimate way of assessing his game and proving a point.

Last season at Blackburn, he did not really get a look in only making seven appearances and despite the North-West club wanting to hold onto him, the player made the call.

“They wanted me to stay but I couldn’t go through a year of not playing which is why I went back to the under-23s to get to grips with playing football again and get my fitness back.

“I could have stayed and sat on the bench for a year but I didn’t want to. I wanted to play men’s football and managed to get a good loan (to Aberdeen).

This shapes as another important decision for the club to make this month.