Archie Gray: Leeds reject offer of up to £40m from Brentford for 18-year-old midfielder as Tottenham begin talks

Tottenham are in talks over a deal for Archie Gray with Leeds, who rejected Brentford’s offer for the teenage midfielder.

Nothing has been agreed between Spurs and Leeds yet, with the clubs only in the early discussions stage.

Gray was set to have a medical with Brentford this weekend after they agreed an initial £35m deal, which could have risen to £40m with bonuses, but Leeds turned down the Bees’ structure of the payments.

Tottenham, alongside other clubs, watched Gray closely last season, a campaign for which Spurs loaned Joe Rodon to Leeds.

Brentford remain interested in Gray but are relaxed about the situation. It is understood the player is yet to give a final decision on his destination.

Gray enjoyed a breakout season at Elland Road, making 52 appearances in all competitions as the Whites lost in the Championship play-off final to Southampton – a game where he played the full 90 minutes.

He is the son of former Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Burnley striker Andy Gray, and first featured in a first-team squad three months before his 16th birthday, when he was named on the bench for a Premier League game with Arsenal in December 2021.

What does the data say Tottenham need this summer?

Sky Sports statistician Paul Harrison:

“Another false dawn at Tottenham, who were top of the table and unbeaten after 10 Premier League games under Ange Postecoglou.

“Their capitulation in the 4-1 home defeat against Chelsea in November became the norm as the season progressed. Their defensive stats in the final 28 games resembled a team in a relegation battle.

“Better midfield protection and competent defensive depth are required – if they are to stand any chance of fighting for a top-four finish next term.”

What does the data say Brentford need this summer?

“Last season was Brentford’s lowest finish (16th) and points total of their three Premier League campaigns (39) – they won just five of their final 24 league games.

“For the first half of the season, they caught a glimpse of life without talisman Ivan Toney – something likely to become a permanent feature this summer with only one year left on his contract.

“Thomas Frank has acted fast with the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago being confirmed in February. Only Kevin Denkey scored more league goals in Belgium’s top tier this season than Thiago, whose conversion rate was nearly three times that of his potential predecessor.”

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Keep up-to-date with all the latest transfer news and rumours in our dedicated Transfer Centre blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up with the ins, outs and analysis on Sky Sports News.