Archie Gray: Brentford agree fee for 18-year-old Leeds midfielder in £40m deal | Football news

Brentford have approached Leeds midfielder Archie Gray after the 18-year-old’s breakout season at Elland Road; The England U21 international has played over 50 times for the club he joined at U9 level

Brentford are closing in on the signing of Leeds midfielder Archie Gray.

They have agreed an initial fee of £35m for the 18-year-old and he has been given permission to undergo a medical.

Ultimately, the business could be worth £40m if bonuses are met.

However, sources have indicated that there is still work to be done to complete his arrival at Brentford, and other clubs remain interested in the player.

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

He is the son of former Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Burnley striker Andy Gray and made his first appearance 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 do the data say Brentford need this summer?

Sky Sports statistician Paul Harrison:

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

“In the first half of the season, they saw life without talisman Ivan Toney – something that could become a permanent feature this summer with just one year left on his contract.

“Thomas Frank has acted quickly, with the signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago confirmed in February. Only Kevin Denkey has scored more goals in Belgium’s top flight this season than Thiago, whose conversion rate was almost three times higher than its 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 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership have moved ahead of Deadline Day to link up with Europe’s other major leagues. The closing dates were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

Follow the summer transfer window with Sky Sports

Keep up with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our Transfer Hub blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also catch up on cons and analysis Sky Sports News.