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Wanderers boss Neil Lennon is delighted young forward Zach Clough has committed his future to the club by signing a long-term contract.
The club confirmed yesterday the 20-year-old had extended his deal until the summer of 2019 and Lennon says the academy graduate has earned an improved contract after his impact on the senior side in 2015.
After bursting on to the scene in January with an FA Cup third round winner on his debut against Wigan, the Denton-born front man was immediately handed a new contract which still had more than 18 months to run.
Now the club have moved again to secure his services for an additional two years.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday ahead of tonight's Championship clash with Birmingham City at the Macron Stadium, Lennon said: "He has signed so we have him tied down on another long-term deal.
"It is another three years on top of this season.
"I know Zach is injured at present but he has earned it.
"We know we have a very good player on our hands and we are paying him accordingly to what we think his talent deserves."
After his introduction to the senior ranks at the turn of the year, Clough went on to score six goals in 10 appearances last season before a shoulder injury ended his campaign early in March.
It was form that alerted top-flight clubs with rumoured interest from big guns Arsenal and Manchester United.
Lennon admits there has been interest in the youngster and says that was in the club's thoughts when they moved to extend Clough's contract.
The Whites boss added: "There was interest but we want to keep him for as long as we can and get him back on the pitch as soon as possible because he is an important player.
"So, there is a certain amount of protection there for us as well but it is only what all clubs do.”
Clough is currently sidelined with another shoulder injury with his rehabilitation on track after surgery a month ago.
And Lennon hopes to have him back in the fold before the end of the year.
He said: "He has had surgery and is now in rehab.
"We are hoping he could be back this year – maybe this side of Christmas, hopefully.”
Meanwhile, Wanderers defender Hayden White has joined League One side Blackpool on loan until January 2.
The 20-year-old is yet to figure for the first-team this season and add to his five appearances.
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The club confirmed yesterday the 20-year-old had extended his deal until the summer of 2019 and Lennon says the academy graduate has earned an improved contract after his impact on the senior side in 2015.
After bursting on to the scene in January with an FA Cup third round winner on his debut against Wigan, the Denton-born front man was immediately handed a new contract which still had more than 18 months to run.
Now the club have moved again to secure his services for an additional two years.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday ahead of tonight's Championship clash with Birmingham City at the Macron Stadium, Lennon said: "He has signed so we have him tied down on another long-term deal.
"It is another three years on top of this season.
"I know Zach is injured at present but he has earned it.
"We know we have a very good player on our hands and we are paying him accordingly to what we think his talent deserves."
After his introduction to the senior ranks at the turn of the year, Clough went on to score six goals in 10 appearances last season before a shoulder injury ended his campaign early in March.
It was form that alerted top-flight clubs with rumoured interest from big guns Arsenal and Manchester United.
Lennon admits there has been interest in the youngster and says that was in the club's thoughts when they moved to extend Clough's contract.
The Whites boss added: "There was interest but we want to keep him for as long as we can and get him back on the pitch as soon as possible because he is an important player.
"So, there is a certain amount of protection there for us as well but it is only what all clubs do.”
Clough is currently sidelined with another shoulder injury with his rehabilitation on track after surgery a month ago.
And Lennon hopes to have him back in the fold before the end of the year.
He said: "He has had surgery and is now in rehab.
"We are hoping he could be back this year – maybe this side of Christmas, hopefully.”
Meanwhile, Wanderers defender Hayden White has joined League One side Blackpool on loan until January 2.
The 20-year-old is yet to figure for the first-team this season and add to his five appearances.
Source