Improved Archie Gray transfer offer mooted at Brentford amid Leeds United exit speculation
Brentford could still yet return with an improved transfer offer for Leeds United gem Archie Gray this summer, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist reported on Sunday (30 June) that the Bees could continue their pursuit of the teenager, but their inability to conclude a deal the first time around suggests they cannot match Leeds’ demands.
Other Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa are all believed to still hold an interest in the 18-year-old and could now move for his signature this summer.
Gray had seemed set to join Brentford in an initial £35million deal, but the transfer has now fallen through after the Whites rejected Thomas Frank’s side’s offer [Graham Smyth, 30 June].
Will Leeds United sell Archie Gray to Brentford in the summer transfer window?
Leeds United won’t want to lose Gray at all this summer, but if their teen sensation is to depart, they will at least want to ensure that they can earn the best possible fee for his services that will be paid in a sensible structure.
It will be no use to Daniel Farke’s side if the reported £35million fee is paid in small instalments over the next couple of years as they need that money through the door now to balance the books this summer.
On top of that, any money raised through Gray or any other player’s sale this summer will almost certainly be reinvested back into the playing squad as Leeds prepare for another promotion battle in the Championship.
Perhaps Brentford will make an improved offer out of fear of missing out on the 18-year-old’s signature, but as Cross said, that feels unlikely when they failed to complete a deal which seemed so close to being confirmed.
Hopefully, the Whites will somehow find a way to keep Gray at Elland Road this summer, but this saga feels like it is only just beginning.
In other Leeds United news, Jamie Shackleton is close to agreeing a new contract away from Elland Road this summer
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