Inside Leeds United's Harry Gray U-turn as Elland Road loan exit nears
Leeds United are set to sanction Harry Gray's loan move to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Whites have several decisions to make with their young talent this summer, but what happens with Gray is arguably the most important.
The 17-year-old spent the second half of last season out on loan with Rotherham United, where he got his first real taste of professional football.
Gray played 20 times for the Millers in League One, scoring three goals and grabbing one assist, but was unable to prevent relegation to League Two.
The Thorp Arch gem is highly rated by Daniel Farke, as the German head coach gave the striker his debut in the 6-0 win over Stoke City last year.
Though Gray is set for another move to League One, Leeds and Farke may have changed their initial plans.
Inside Leeds' U-turn Harry Gray decision
Gray is set to join Sheffield Wednesday on what will be a straight season-long loan to further his development.
The Owls are hoping to secure promotion back to the Championship under their ambitious new owners after the exit of Dejphon Chansiri, and want the Leeds striker to be part of their journey.
According to Leeds Live, the plan was to always send Gray on loan at some point next season.
However, Farke was understood to be keen on taking a look at the former England U17s star during pre-season
The teenager was involved in the Whites' pre-season preparations last summer and was even involved in the matchday squad to face Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup back in August.
There was a chance of Gray even heading to the USA for Farke to assess him, but the overwhelming early interest made Leeds make the decision to let him leave on loan as soon as possible.
The decision was made so that he could settle into his new surroundings early into pre-season with whatever club he joins, so that he has the best possible chance of a good campaign.
Now, Sheffield Wednesday are said to have "won the battle" for the number nine, beating Huddersfield Town in the race for his services on loan
Who is Gray's competition at Sheffield Wednesday?
Gray didn't have trouble with starting at Rotherham, as he played from the off in each of the 20 games he featured in for the Millers.
However, he could have a more difficult challenge for a starting spot at Hillsborough next season.
Gray will have to compete with the likes of seasoned EFL strikers, Jamal Lowe and Ike Ugbo up top, while the Owls have several academy players ready to use after some of them gained Championship experience last campaign.
Either way, no superstar is made without having to overcome tasks like these, and Leeds will be hoping for the best, should his move go through with no last-ditch errors.