West Ham want generational talent from Leeds and they need money

Now it seems they want to bring in a Leeds United star who can play both.

West Ham have a major rebuild on their hands this summer, with at least eight signings needed.

Leeds will also be forced to reshape their squad as they missed out on promotion back to the Premier League after losing to Southampton in the Championship play-off final.

West Ham have been linked with a number of Leeds stars of late.

Hammers eye Leeds talent

The Hammers know the pain of losing in the play-off final after losing to Palace in 2004.

West Ham – as Leeds will now – also know it means you’re likely to lose some of your top players.

West Ham have been heavily linked with Leeds Championship player of the season Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.

It seems highly unlikely that the Elland Road club will be able to keep hold of both stars.

And with West Ham actively hunting a new striker who can play on the left – further links are inevitable after Leeds’ failure to step up.

Now West Ham want a generational talent from Leeds and they need money.

West Ham want generational star Gray

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the Hammers have been tracking 18-year-old talent Archie Gray for some time.

Jacobs says West Ham really want the central midfielder – who can also play right-back.

And while Gray is happy at boyhood club Leeds, they could be forced to sell him because of PSR.

This could play into West Ham’s hands as Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui push to build a new look around young, hungry stars.

But the Hammers are not alone in their interest.

“Archie Gray, although happy at Leeds, is also in demand,” Jacobs told Give Me Sport.

“Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton have been chasing him for some time.

“Leeds urge to raise funds”

“The 18-year-old’s preference is to stay at Leeds, but a sale cannot be completely ruled out given Leeds’ urgency to raise funds.

“There will inevitably be a cost to Leeds of not being promoted, felt both on and off the pitch.”

Gray played in all but two of Leeds’ games as his breakthrough season came to a painful end.

There is no word on how much Leeds might want for his signature.

But of the clubs mentioned, West Ham would be where Gray would get the most guaranteed playing time.

The problem for the Hammers is that their summer transfer budget is £100m.

While a few sales are expected to bring in more than that kitty, they still need to sign a lot of players.

So if Leeds want the mega money for Gray then they may well put West Ham out of the running.

West Ham’s hope will be that Leeds become so desperate that they are forced to offload Gray for a cut price.

You can see footage of Gray in action for Leeds below.

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