Leeds United will consider selling teenage sensation Archie Gray this summer if they are unable to generate enough funds through sales of their loan stars, according to Football Insider.
The 18-year-old has been one of the success stories of the season at Elland Road, emerging from the academy to become a regular fixture in Daniel Farke’s team. Having only made his senior debut in August, Gray has featured 43 times in all competitions and has attracted the interest of a host of Europe’s top clubs.
It is believed that the likes of Liverpool and Newcastle United made enquiries over his availability in January, although the Whites have made it clear that the youngster is not for sale. In order to fend off the interest, Leeds acted swiftly to hand the player a new four-year contract during the most recent transfer window.
Despite that, a bidding war could take place in the summer. It was reported yesterday that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were the latest clubs to enter the fray, whilst Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked. Figures of upwards of £50 million have been touted, although the Yorkshire club were previously expected to maintain their winter stance that a sale will not be considered.
💫 Archie Gray! That’s the tweet! pic.twitter.com/QBGqCTuLsX
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 24, 2024
However, Football Insider now claim that a deal could be sanctioned if they are unable to generate enough funds from the sales of the players that are currently out on loan. The likes of Jack Harrison, Marc Roca and Max Wober are all currently plying their trade elsewhere on a temporary basis and could leave permanently at the end of the season.
Roca is said to have a clause in his contract that would allow him to have another season out on loan should Leeds fail to achieve promotion, whereas it is believed that they want £30 million from Everton to make Harrison’s move to Goodison Park full time.
The Toffees are currently fighting for their life in the Premier League, with the 27-year-old a regular in Sean Dyche’s team. His season-long deal on Merseyside does not include an option to buy and their well-documented financial woes mean that they would be unlikely to meet his asking price.
The three-time English champions are second in the Championship with six games remaining. They are one point above Leicester City, although the Foxes do possess a game in hand.
Writer’s View
There are likely to be a number of teams that test the water for Archie Gray’s signature this summer. However, Leeds will surely rebuff any approaches until they see how much the raise through sales of other players. Even then, it does seem unlikely that they would agree to sell a player who is set to be a key fixture of the first team squad for many years to come.
The teenager is in no rush to leave Elland Road. Several members of his family have represented the club and he is best placed to stay put and continue his development in a team where he will play regular football. He will eventually leave for a big fee, but the Whites should wait for his value to further increase in the coming years before considering it.
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