Leeds United: Vultures ready as Archie Gray transfer news emerges at Elland Road
David Ornstein believes that interest in Archie Gray will mount if Leeds United are unable to achieve promotion back to the Premier League this season.
The 17-year-old has become an unbelievable prospect at Elland Road this season, having been shifted from his natural midfield position to right-back by Daniel Farke.
Gray put on another fine display on Wednesday 28 February as Leeds were knocked out of the FA Cup by Chelsea, and the vultures will only begin to circle even more.
Replying to a Leeds fan via The Athletic’s Q&A on Thursday (29 February, 3:36pm), Ornstein wrote: “I would be more surprised if there wasn’t interest but this doesn’t mean he will leave.
“He has just signed a new contract, is 17 and perhaps, even if offers came in, he would choose to stay. The financial situation at Leeds (like Leicester, for example) means promotion back to the Premier League is really important and I imagine that would negate the need to consider selling the likes of Gray.
“If that aim is not achieved then, of course, the vultures are expected to circle and some tough decisions will need to be made.”
Could Leeds United lose Archie Gray in the summer?
It would be extremely unusual if Premier League clubs did not come knocking for the 17-year-old sensation during the summer transfer window, though that will worry Leeds fans.
Liverpool have already been reported to have an interest in the midfielder-turned-full-back, but no move for the youngster ever materialised. OGC Nice also wanted him in the January transfer window but were denied by the price tag.
Having only recently signed a brand new contract at Elland Road, it would take an eye-watering fee to persuade Leeds to even think about selling Gray, who could be the future of the club.
At just 17 years of age, Gray is already one of the first names on the teamsheet under Farke, even playing out of position, and has become difficult to give him a rest as Leeds aim for Premier League promotion.
He has started 30 of the Whites’ 34 Championship matches this season, keeping the likes of Sam Byram and Connor Roberts out of the starting XI.
It would be an incredible blow if Gray were to leave Elland Road at any point in his career, but it would make sense to remain at the club as Leeds close in on promotion this season.
In other Leeds United news, a player made his mind up to leave the Whites months ago as Phil Hay shares an update from Elland Road.
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