Clayton has impressed all through the ranks at West Ham United.

The flying left-back - as an U16s player at the time - made a hugely impressive 19 appearances for the youth team in 2020/21, including starting the 5-0 FA Youth Cup win over Norwich at Carrow Road.

With the Academy since he was ten, Clayton is quick, committed and – like his idol Alphonso Davies – loves nothing more than to get forward to support the attack.

After appearing regularly for the U18s in 2021/22, Clayton made his competitive U23s debut as a second-half substitute in the 4-2 win over Crystal Palace U23s in south London.

The flying full-back ended the season with 28 appearances in all competitions for the U18s and four for the U23s, before signing professional terms with the Club.

The 2022/23 season would be a significant one for Clayton. The defender was involved in two first team senior squads, sitting on the bench for both UEFA Europa Conference League Group B clashed with FCSB, and would make 31 appearances in all competitions for the development side. He would score two goals, in the 2-2 draw away to Blackburn Rovers and the second in a 5-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

Clayton's age permitted him to continue to represent Kevin Keen's U18s also, with the full-back featuring seven times in the side's U18 Premier League South winning campaign. The defender also started all six FA Youth Cup matches for the side, showing his versatility as the team claimed a fourth Youth Cup trophy in the Club's history.