Several reports claim that Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United have reached an agreement to purchase 18-year-old midfielder Archie Gray for £40 million.
While Leeds competed for promotion back to the Premier League last season, Gray had a breakout season. However, Leeds lost to Southampton in the play-off final.
Several clubs wanted Gray in England’s top flight, with Brentford close to signing him but failing to agree on payment terms with Leeds. This allowed Tottenham to step in, reaching a deal to pay £30m for Gray. In a separate £10m deal, Tottenham’s Joe Rodon, who was on loan at Leeds, will join Leeds permanently.
In order to complete a transfer, Gray has already reached a personal agreement with Tottenham, who have resisted pressure from rival bidders like Chelsea.
Leeds need funds to comply with Football League financial rules and may include Gray’s sale in last season’s accounts if evidence shows the deal was pursued before June 30. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been seeking a new midfielder, targeting Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher in previous windows, but the move for Gray may change those plans.
As long as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg continues to draw interest from other teams, it may still be possible to pursue another new midfield player.
