Tottenham to block Archie Gray Leeds United return as concern emerges
Leeds United would be unlikely to be successful in bringing Archie Gray back to Elland Road on loan because Tottenham need him in the Europa League, Ian Darke has said.
Teenager Gray was sold to Spurs in a deal worth over £25million in the summer as Leeds had to make sacrifices following their failure to return to the Premier League.
It was reported by GiveMeSport (30 October) that Spurs are expecting loan bids for Gray in January due to a lack of playing time and Don Goodman suggested he would prefer to link back up with Leeds temporarily if that were to happen.
However, TNT Sports commentator Darke – speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News – thinks Spurs are unlikely to sanction a loan because they’ll need him for their European venture.
“What legislates against Gray going back to Leeds on loan is, I think, Tottenham in the Europa League,” the TNT Sports broadcaster said.
“They need a deep squad because they’ve got a hectic schedule. If they only had the Premier League and the domestic cups to think about, it would maybe be a different story.
“Leeds fans would love to see him come back and help deliver promotion, but I’d be more than a little surprised if Spurs allowed it to happen.”
Leeds United with outside chance of Archie Gray loan?
Gray was never going to pull trees up this early into his new chapter with Tottenham in the Premier League, though demonstrated his capabilities under immense pressure for Leeds last season.
Selling Gray before the 30 June accounts deadline to settle PSR fears was a blow, though the Whites did manage to secure Joe Rodon on a permanent deal in the process.
It is uncertain whether Gray would be open to a temporary return or whether he would prefer the chance to win a European trophy with Spurs and continue to knock on the door in the Premier League.
In other Leeds news, Junior Firpo enjoys a fantastic moment on international duty.
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