Leeds midfielder Archie Gray is prepared to snub interest from the Premier League this summer despite the club’s defeat in the Championship play-off final.
Leeds missed out on promotion back into the Premier League after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley on Sunday, having narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after earning 90 points during the league campaign.
The defeat is expected to lead to the exits of several big names at Elland Road this summer, with Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto among those expected to be sold.
However, teenage starlet Gray is prepared to snub interest from the top division in favour of remaining with Daniel Farke’s side for next season. The 18-year-old was named EFL Championship Young Player of the Season and Leeds United’s Young Player of the Season after a breakthrough campaign that saw the midfielder make 52 appearances in all competitions this season.
Gray’s family has a long history of representing Leeds, with the player’s father, Andy, grandfather, Frank, and great uncle, Eddie, having all represented the club.
Liverpool and Manchester City have previously made attempts to sign Gray during his time in the Leeds academy, while Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea have all checked in on his progress in recent months.
However, sources of The Football Faithful have informed us that Gray is in no rush to leave Leeds and will instead focus on renewed efforts to earn promotion next season. The England u-21 international signed a new long-term deal in January and it would take a huge bid from interested clubs for Leeds to consider a sale.
The player’s own stance leaves Leeds in a strong position as the club look to bounce back from their play-off defeat and rebuild for next season.
