Leeds United in shock Archie Gray, Brentford U-turn as Tottenham now set to strike deal | OneFootball

There's been a shocking turn of events in the deal to bring Archie Gray to Brentford

A stunning twist has been revealed in the deal to bring Archie Gray from Leeds United to Brentford, which the Whites have suddenly rejected, according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The Athletic, among others, reported yesterday that terms had been agreed for Leeds' 18-year-old starlet to join Brentford in a deal that would bring around £35m to Elland Road, with a medical imminent.

It was widely believed that Brentford had successfully fought off competition from leading domestic and continental clubs to strike a swoop for the youngster following Leeds' failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League, which has left them in a weaker position when it comes to keeping hold of their prized assets.

However, Smyth has now reported that Leeds have performed a U-turn on the deal, and it has since been revealed by David Ornstein of The Athletic that Tottenham Hotspur are the ones in pole position to now land Gray, with talks ongoing to seal a move before the end of play on June 30 so that United can comply with profit & sustainability rules.

Leeds United cancel transfer deal involving Archie Gray and Brentford

Various reports have emerged pertaining to the collapse of Archie Gray's transfer to Brentford, with Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas (via Tim Thornton) reporting that Leeds have rejected the formal proposal fielded by the Bees.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has additionally informed that Leeds have pulled the plug on the deal despite permission for medical tests to be undertaken following a verbal agreement, but the transfer remains off as things stand.

It'll no doubt be a source of significant frustration for Brentford, who had appeared extremely well-placed to secure the signing of English football's finest upcoming prospects ahead of the 2024/25 season, and it's not yet clear whether Thomas Frank will try his hand once again at luring the teenager away from Elland Road.

Tottenham now set to swoop for Leeds United starlet Archie Gray

Leeds supporters shouldn't get too excited with the U-turn that Leeds have taken on Archie Gray's prospective move to West London.

Their rejection of the deal suggests that they are looking to collect more for his services than the £35m outlay proposed by Brentford, but they may well have received that already, given the wealth of interest that Gray has attracted following a remarkable breakout campaign for the Championship side.

And it is now Tottenham that are set to strike for Gray, and you can imagine that the appeal of European football under Ange Postecoglou will be too good to turn down for the teenager - providing that a payment plan can be struck between the two clubs.

With serious domestic and continental interest, Leeds are clearly finding it too difficult to stand in his way, while it's also no secret that they must sanction a few sales following their failure to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

That could threaten their ability to hold on to the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Ilian Meslier and Wilfried Gnonto among others, which would represent a major blow for Daniel Farke moving into the upcoming campaign.

Gray could well return the largest fee out of all Leeds' assets in light of his age, profile and rich potential, meaning there's little wonder to be had about why he's been subjected to so much transfer interest.

And if Spurs do go on to get Gray to sign on the dotted line in North London, then it is a considerable coup for the club as they embark on a UEFA Europa League campaign next season, and he will also be expected to get regular game-time - much like a certain Dele Alli did a number of years ago when moving from MK Dons.