Reliable journalist shares potential ‘problem’ as Leeds linked with move for PL winner
Leeds United were linked with a move for Leicester City winger Demarai Gray this week after a move for Michael Cuisance collapsed.
Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has claimed that the Whites could tempt Gray, who is open to a club that offers an exciting project.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the King Power Stadium and is currently on £55,000-a-week.
Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross has responded to those links in a Q&A on Friday, claiming that the Whites could have a problem with those wages.
“Gray seems to fit a similar brief to James, but there’s not been anything concrete out there on him at this stage,” he wrote. “Wages may be a problem.”
Without any summer signings considered, the current highest earner at Elland Road according to Spotrac is Patrick Bamford on £35,000-a-week.
That would mean that Leeds would need to commit near-double the number of that to attract Gray to West Yorkshire.
James or Gray?
Both players appear to be available to move, but Gray would certainly be cheaper.
ESPN reported on Friday that Manchester United would consider selling James, but only if their £25million valuation was met by any club – something that will unlikely tempt Leeds.
Gray, on the other hand, is keen to leave Leicester, who will also allow him to exit – leaving him out of their squad against West Ham this weekend [The Mirror].
Comparing their performances last season, James was better in every department, but he did make 23 more starts in the Premier League.
The fact that Gray is available and is keen to leave could make him the more attainable option, and his cheaper price compared to James means the Whites could cover his wages easily.
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