Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to offer Joe Rodon as bait in their pursuit of Leeds United starlet Archie Gray, according to Football Insider.
The 18-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for a host of clubs in the Premier League and around Europe after his breakout season at Elland Road. After only making his first team debut on the opening day of the season, the versatile youngster became an ever-present in Daniel Farke’s side.
Gray went on to make 52 appearances in all competitions as Leeds suffered heartbreak in the Championship play-off final against Southampton last month. Remaining in the second tier means that the Whites now face losing a number of their key stars, including Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.
It is highly likely that the pair will both depart the club before the beginning of next season, although there is a hope that Gray will remain. He penned a new four-year deal in January, but the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all thought to be circling.
It is claimed that Spurs are set to open the bidding and will offer defender Joe Rodon as a part of any deal. The Welsh international spent the season on loan at the Yorkshire club last season, reigniting his career at the heart of Farke’s back line.
Leeds are thought to be keen to bring the Welsh international back to the club on a permanent basis, whilst the feeling is reciprocated by the player. Reports earlier this year stated that it would cost between £10-15 million to secure his signature. However, Gray is thought to be valued at closer to £50 million, meaning Tottenham would still have to stump up a hefty fee.
Writer’s View
The situation surrounding Summerville and Gnonto is fairly simple. They’re both likely to leave. However, the Gray scenario is a little more complicated and could rumble on all summer. It is believed he is in no rush to leave the club, especially as it is one that he has grown up with.
He is a third-generation player at Elland Road and knows that his time will come. He has just one season of senior football under his belt and remaining at Elland Road could be the best option for his development. This is unlikely to sway any potential suitors though, who know that the teenager is likely to be one of the most coveted youngsters in English football. As such, a bidding war could ensue this summer.
Tottenham know they have an asset that Leeds want and clearly feel that they can utilise this to their benefit.
