Graham Smyth weighs in on latest Archie Gray reports as Brentford linked with Leeds United man — YEP 29/6/24
By Will Jackson
Recent reports have seen Brentford linked with interest in
Leeds United’s Archie Gray
Premier League side Brentford have now entered the race to
sign Leeds United’s Archie Gray, with the club making an enquiry today,
according the Yorkshire Evening Post's Graham Smyth. Gray has been linked to a
raft of top flight teams this summer with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester
United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund said to be monitoring the
teenager's situation with great interest.
However, recent reports have seen Brentford named as a
potential suitor for Gray, with the suggestion being that the Bees are one of
the many clubs eyeing up an approach. It's a move that would see him given the
chance to test himself in the Premier League for the first time in his career
with game time more likely than at any of the more elite clubs, it’s fair to
say.
It's not one that appears imminent, with the YEP’s chief
football writer confirming that nothing is ‘set in stone’, but the Bees have at
least asked the question. Providing an update on Gray and his future, Smyth
said: “Leeds saying there has now been an 'enquiry' from Brentford but nothing
is set in stone...”
On the youngster’s situation he added: "49ers
Enterprises have got to be so careful. If he's sold and there's any sense that
it wasn't a move too good for Gray himself to turn down, it won't play well
"He's the crown jewel. Players like him, with the
ability and maturity he has, just don't come around very often. So if you're to
sell him then it can only be out of necessity or because it's the right thing
for both club and player. Given his family name this one is so delicate."
The high levels of interest come on the back of what was a
remarkable breakthrough campaign for Gray at Elland Road. The midfielder made
his senior debut for the Whites on the opening day of the season against
Cardiff City and despite his tender age, he went on to make a total of 52
appearances in all competitions.
Most of the 18-year-old's outings came as a right-back, too,
with Gray showing the versatility and maturity to make the position his own
despite being a centre-midfielder by trade. Reports of interest in January were
followed by Leeds tying the England U21 international to a new long-term deal,
with his deal now running until the end of the 2027-28 season. That is unlikely
to deter interested parties this summer, though, with Leeds preparing to see
their resolve tested.
