The Hammers have set their sights on the Leeds teenager

West Ham United have joined the race to sign Leeds United teenage prodigy Archie Gray, according to journalist Ben Jacobs. The 18-year-old midfielder has become a transfer target for the Hammers, who are keen to bolster their squad with young talent.

Jacobs reports that West Ham have a genuine interest in Gray, a versatile player who is comfortable at both central midfield and right-back. That adaptability could prove valuable to manager Julen Lopetegui.

While it appears Gray prefers to stay at his boyhood club, Leeds’ failure to gain promotion to the Premier League has placed them in a precarious financial position. This could force the club to consider selling some of their prized assets, potentially opening the door for West Ham.

The prospect of acquiring a promising youngster aligns with West Ham’s apparent strategy under director of football Tim Steidten and Lopetegui. The club seems determined to build a squad with hungry young players.

West Ham could have an advantage in the race for Gray’s signature, offering him the prospect of regular first-team football. This could be a significant advantage compared to other interested clubs.

The Hammers are not the only club chasing Gray. Premier League rivals Liverpool, Arsenal and Brighton are also reportedly interested in the talented teenager.

Jacob’s is not disclosing a potential asking price for Gray. However, given Leeds’ financial constraints, price could be a deciding factor.

West Ham’s £100m transfer budget could pose a challenge if Leeds value Gray highly. The Hammers may need to strategically manage the sales of potential players to generate additional funds for this transfer.

West Ham hope Leeds’ financial situation could lead to a more affordable price for Gray. This could allow them to effectively compete with other Premier League clubs vying for his signature.