Leeds’ 49ers owners told to agree £50m Liverpool deal but only on one condition
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Leeds United should agree a deal with Liverpool for Archie Gray that will see the Yorkshire club cash in but still retain the teenager’s services. That’s according to ex-Scotland-international-turned-pundit Frank McAvenie who believes that doing a deal in January can safeguard a return on United’s investment whilst still keeping the player at Elland Road in the short term.
The 17-year-old has immediately impacted Daniel Farke’s first team this season, playing in 16 out of 17 Championship matches and staying on the pitch for the full 90 minutes in a large bulk of them.
Gray’s versatility has unquestionably contributed to his run of games. After starting the season as a defensive midfielder he is now playing as a right-back. But it is his performance levels that have ultimately earned him a regular starting berth and that has made other clubs sit up and take notice.
One of those teams is Premier League giants Liverpool and according to the Mail, the Reds are ‘preparing a summer bid’. The same report claims that United would look to raise around £40-£50m from any sale of Gray.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the Reds’ long-established right-back, but he can also operate in midfield and Jurgen Klopp does not have a great deal of defensive cover for the England international.
Calvin Ramsay was sent out on loan to Preston North End this season, leaving Joe Gomez as the only senior cover for the position.
Liverpool are not the only major club said to be interested in Gray, with Manchester City, Crystal Palace, Everton and Newcastle said to have an interest in the player, as well as Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund.
With the player only under contract until 2025, Leeds could be tempted to part company in one of the next two transfer windows in order to maximise the return on Gray before he could leave for nothing in 18 months.
However, former West Ham United striker McAvennie says that doing a deal with Liverpool in January for big money makes sense, so long as United can take Gray back on loan until the end of the season at least.
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Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said: “I think what they’ve (Leeds) got to do is sell him (Gray). Take the money, but keep him on loan. He’s not going to get into the Liverpool team, he’s not going to get into the Everton team at the moment.
“It’s the best thing for everyone. It’s a long way to the end of the season and his value may go up. I don’t think anyone is going to buy him in January. I wouldn’t imagine if he’s doing that well unless you spend decent money.
“If he’s not ready for the Premier League, whoever’s wanting him, come and get him now and loan him back. That’s what I would try and do because then you get some money for January. It’s a win-win for them. Farke will know what he needs.”
Leeds are currently third in the Championship, eight points adrift of the automatic promotion spots as they plot an immediate return to the Premier League.
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