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Neil Jones claims Archie Gray using Liverpool to secure new Leeds United contract
Neil Jones has claimed Archie Gray’s agent may be using Liverpool as a tool to negotiate a new contract at Leeds United after a £40million development.
It was reported by the Daily Mail [10 November] that Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace are considering bids for Gray, who Leeds value at between £40million and £50million.
The journalist claimed he would be amazed if any club decided to sign Gray for £40million, and that he still has a lot to prove before earning a move to Liverpool.
The former DAZN journalist was speaking on The Redmen TV YouTube Channel as he shared: “£40million is huge. Leeds have only sold two players in their history for that price and they were Kalvin Phillips, who’s an England international and Raphinha who’s a Brazilian international and went to Barcelona.
“The idea that £40million, however talented the young lad is, we’re talking about Stefan Bajcetic at 19 still having lots to prove and we’re talking about Harvey Elliott at 20 with nearly 100 games under his belt still having a bit to prove, Archie Gray has got an awful lot to prove.
“I think £40million seems like a huge thing. I think there’s a contract negotiation going on there with Leeds, obviously, he’s seen as a big thing and he’s got a huge family history with Leeds. I think there’s a little bit of that at play as well in terms of agents putting clubs in, Liverpool we’ve seen used in the past.
“Of course, he’s an interesting player, but I would be amazed if Liverpool or anyone went and spent £40million on him at this stage.”
A new contract on the cards
Interest from clubs the size of Liverpool could prove difficult to ignore, particularly if the Yorkshire side don’t earn promotion at the first time of asking this season, but a new deal would see Gray make a huge commitment to Leeds.
Leeds will be desperate to hang on to a player who, at just 17 years old, has stepped effortlessly into their first team and secured his place as a regular player and a key part of Daniel Farke’s plans.
His ability to play both in midfield and slot in at right-back when required has earned him comparisons to Trent Alexander-Arnold recently, and his continued impressive displays in the white shirt will do nothing to harm the high praise he has received.
As things stand, Gray’s Leeds deal is set to expire in 2025, meaning come the end of this season, he will have just one year left on his deal, so it makes sense that Leeds and his agent would push for a new contract now.
In other Leeds United news, a journalist has given a judgement on Wilfried Gnonto’s Leeds future.