Leeds United open talks for new long-term contract for Archie Gray amid transfer interest
Leeds United have opened talks with Archie Gray over a new long-term bumper contract to keep him at the club amid major interest, according to TEAMtalk (15 November).
Reports suggest that Liverpool, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Everton are among the clubs interested in signing the 17-year-old next summer in a deal worth around £40m.
But the Whites are keen to keep hold of their academy graduate who has a long history with the club through his grandfather and father, and talks have been opened about tying him down to a long-term deal.
“Despite the growing interest in Gray, however, sources have told TEAMtalk that neither Leeds or Gray are in a hurry to part ways,” they wrote.
“And with the player due to turn 18 in March, the Whites are confident of tying the player down to a long-term deal with talks underway on a bumper new deal as a result of his fantastic progress with the club.”
Quality
Leeds have known for a very long time that Archie Gray was going to be a star, and if it wasn’t for an injury last season he would’ve been involved then too.
But since coming into the team this year he has established himself as a key member of the squad despite his age, and has shown great versatility and quality to play in several different positions.
It’s no surprise that top clubs are showing an interest in him with his performances and age, but if Leeds are able to get back into the Premier League then surely there will be great confidence that we can keep hold of him and continue to develop him.
A new contract is fully deserved to put him on a first-team wage on a par with his peers, and show that we really do value him and rate him.
It won’t be easy to keep him out of those clubs’ grasps for a long time, but there is no rush and he knows he will play here. He loves the club and we love him, so hopefully we can make this happen.
In other Leeds news, Spurs price emerges to make Rodon loan move permanent.