Brentford agree record deal for Leeds starlet Archie Gray as Premier League rivals mull transfer diversion

TalkSPORT understands Archie Gray has a release clause in his Leeds contract which expires tomorrow.

Gray is due to undergo a medical after the Bees offered to pay £40million, including add-ons – believed to be more than the clause to get the deal done quickly.

Leeds Academy product Gray has been handed a £75,000-a-week contract.

Should Brentford secure his services, they would break their current transfer record of £30m after agreeing a £30m deal with Belgian club Club Brugge for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February.

But Brentford are aware that one of their Premier League rivals could still hijack their contract, with Tottenham known to be keen on the 18-year-old as they look to match the offer on the table.

Meanwhile, Gray is also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.

However, as things stand, it is Brentford who are in pole position to land the teenager.

Gray is understood to have been happy to stay at Leeds but was left impressed by Brentford’s plan for him.

The England youth international did not make his senior debut until the opening day of the 2023/24 season.

He went on to make 52 appearances for the Whites in all competitions – with one goal and two assists.

Starting the campaign as a central midfielder, Gray went on to make the majority of his appearances at right-back, showing his versatility.

Leeds had hoped to secure Premier League football but missed out on automatic promotion to Leicester and Ipswich.

Despite reaching the play-off final, Daniel Farke’s side were beaten by Southampton, consigning them to at least another year in the second leg.

It is believed that Gray’s departure would see them comply with profit and sustainability rules, which would put them in a strong position should Crysencio Summerville be subject to any offers.

Club chairman Paraag Marathe failed to rule Gray out of a move away from Elland Road last month.

He said: “It is a bit too early to answer specific questions. I can’t talk about specific players at this time.

“If I can describe the big picture, there are certain things that we need to do and we will ensure that we are fully compliant with the PSR.

“There are certain compromises we have to make. We need to get to the drawing board to determine what moves we need to make.

“Obviously Archie is a great player, but every season brings changes. I can’t comment yet, but we’ll see what happens.”

As for Brentford, they will be looking to improve on last season’s 16th place finish in the Premier League.