Liverpool have set their sights on Leeds United prodigy Archie Gray ahead of a big-money summer move, according to the Daily Mail.
The teenager has caught the eye with his performances this season, but Liverpool may need to part ways with a significant sum to land his signature.
Reports suggest the Leeds midfield sensation could set the six-time European champions back at least £40 million to get a potential deal over the line.
Gray has been a standout performer in the Championship this season, featuring in nearly all of Leeds’ matches since making his professional debut on the opening day of the campaign.
The England under-19 international has drawn comparisons to Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his athleticism and versatility to play both in midfield and as a right-back.
The 17-year-old has made 14 Championship appearances this season, averaging 2.2 tackles per match and 5.1 ball recoveries per game.
He has also shown tenacity in the middle of the park, winning 54% of his total duels and is comfortable in possession, recording a 53% success rate from his attempted dribbles.
Gray first emerged from the Leeds academy two years ago when he was named as one of the substitutes for their Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
He slowly established himself as a familiar face in the training ground and spent time in and around the first team but was handed his full first-team debut when Daniel Farke took over as manager at the start of this season.
Under Farke’s leadership, Gray has become an integral part of Leeds’ squad, showcasing his athletic prowess and technical skills, playing a crucial role in their promotion bid.
The Yorkshire club will undoubtedly be reluctant to part ways with their prized asset but will face a challenge in retaining the talented youngster, with Liverpool, Crystal Palace, and Everton reportedly expressing interest.
Gray has been a part of their academy since the age of nine and is the great-nephew of club legend Eddie Gray, but none of that will matter if a bidding way ensues between the interested parties.
The positive for Leeds is that they may be able to command a significant fee for the youngster amid reports he is valued at between £40-50m.
However, with his existing contract set to expire in 2025, the Whites may be forced to cash in if the midfielder shows no signs of signing a new contract.
