Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray is on the verge of joining Brentford after agreeing personal terms with the club, according to The Atheltic.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League and European clubs, but Brentford have emerged as front-runners and are close to finalising the deal.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Gray a few days ago, while Borussia Dortmund also showed interest in the versatile Leeds star.
If his medical goes smoothly, Leeds is expected to agree to a transfer fee in the region of £35 million.
Other clubs remain interested, but Leeds’ financial situation has forced them to sanction the move early despite their reluctance to lose such a promising talent.
Leeds are desperate to balance their books and avoid potential sanctions under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Gray, as a homegrown product, translates to pure profit on the books.
Gray enjoyed a breakout season with Leeds in the Championship last term, playing a key role in their run to the play-off final.
The England Under-21 international made 44 appearances in the Championship under manager Daniel Farke.
A move to Brentford is the wisest decision for Gray’s development. He would find it hard to break into a team competing for Champions League football.
Gray will receive consistent playing time in the Premier League with Brentford, where he can grow and refine his skills against top-flight competition.
Director of football Phil Giles and technical director Lee Dykes had a recruitment meeting at the beginning of April and highlighted central midfield as an area in need of reinforcement.
