Tottenham close to Archie Gray deal with Joe Rodon in Leeds return talks

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on a deal to sign Archie Gray from Leeds United with defender Joe Rodon in talks to return to Elland Road on a permanent deal.

Leeds say the two deals are separate, with Spurs set to pay £40m ($50.7m) for Gray and Rodon going the other way for £10m. Spurs’ view is that they are paying £25-30m for Gray with Rodon part of that deal.

Gray has already completed his medical ahead of the proposed move to Tottenham, while Leeds are doing paperwork on Rodon, which has been slightly delayed by the player being in Las Vegas. Gray will sign a six-year contract with the north London side and the deal is expected to be completed later today (Monday).

The deal to sell Gray is likely to put Leeds in a good position in terms of the EFL’s and Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules and should mean they are under no pressure to sell any other assets this season. summer, unless the players request to leave.

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Rodon spent last season at Elland Road where he made 50 appearances in all competitions at centre-back. Leeds retained their interest in signing him for next season once his loan deal expired, but the Welshman has been subject to interest from several clubs.

Gray’s exit is expected to be confirmed shortly after a dramatic weekend. Brentford were close to signing the 18-year-old for a fee of around £35million and Gray underwent a medical at the west London club before Leeds rejected the bid on Sunday.

Gray played 52 times in all competitions at both right-back and central midfield for Leeds boss Daniel Farke last season.

Gray looks close to joining Spurs (George Wood/Getty Images)

Additional reporting: Jack Pitt-Brooke

Why Leeds return to Rodon

Analysis from Leeds correspondent Nancy Froston

Leeds are keen to bring Rodon back to the club after an impressive season spent on loan playing at right centre-back. The permanent signing of the 26-year-old would strengthen Farke’s defensive ranks after a largely positive season for the back line. Depth at that position would be a concern if a return for Rodon was ruled out this summer.

Rodon and Ethan Ampadu formed a strong partnership throughout the season, drawing on their experience of playing together for Wales. Both were integral to Leeds’ 15-game unbeaten run last season, with Rodon a key leader with Championship experience in an otherwise young squad.

(Top photo: Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images)