"£70-80 million" - Release clause claim made as Leeds United try to keep Man Utd and Liverpool target Archie Gray | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray has caught the eye this season in the Championship, in what has been the 18-year-old's breakout campaign for his boyhood club.

There has been constant speculation across the campaign regarding Gray's future, which included reports in November claiming that Liverpool were readying themselves for a bid in excess of £40 million to acquire the youngster's services.

Leeds were able to fend off any January interest and tie the central-midfielder turned right-back to a long-term contract, but fresh updates on such transfer speculation continue to gather pace. According to Football Insider, Leeds' resolve "will be tested" when it comes to keeping hold of their sought-after academy graduate, as multiple suitors circle over a potential summer deal.

However, one crumb of comfort for Leeds fans is the report claims that any final decision on such matters will come down to the 18-year-old, who has also been linked with bitter rivals Manchester United recently, as well as prior interest from Everton and Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the player, as well as European giants Borussia Dortmund.

The Leeds starlet has been one of the stories of the Championship season, with the recently turned 18-year-old making 41 appearances for the Whites so far. Gray has taken the chance to make inroads into the first-team under Daniel Farke with both hands and is enjoying his first season as a professional player.

The teenager’s new deal is set to keep him with the club until the summer of 2028, but the Championship side are hoping to extend that further. A pay rise is also expected to be part of their pitch to try and get Gray to sign another new deal this summer despite signing one in January, for when he turned 18 last week.

Carlton Palmer's Archie Gray verdict

Ex-England international and former Leeds man Carlton Palmer believes Gray's new deal will see him earn closer to parity with many of his teammates, whilst it may also include a high release clause in order to protect his former side.

Speaking to Football League World, he said: "Leeds are planning to sit down with Archie Gray this summer and discuss extending his contract further.

"Archie's had a fantastic season for Leeds, who currently sit top of the Championship at the moment.

"Gray has been outstanding, with 36 league appearances so far this season, proving both his versatility and his ability. "The 18-year-old's current deal has him with the club until 2028, but the club are looking to extend that even further. "This makes sense, to tie the player down, with speculation surrounding him from top Premier League clubs and European teams. "Gray's only 18, but he's doing well under Daniel Farke by playing regularly, so shouldn't be in any rush to leave. "But Leeds want to protect themselves, for sure, by tying him down to a longer-term contract, and I'm sure there would be a massive release clause in there. "It's believed Gray is on about £5,000 per week at 18. Top players at the football club will be on far more than that. Some might be on £70,000 - these will be players who were playing in the Premier League [last season]. "So, you would think that he'd get a significant rise, maybe around the £30,000-35,000 mark. "And, I would think there will be a break clause within that, should anybody come in for the player. "Leeds would probably be looking for £70-80 million for him. "Obviously, Archie Gray should be sensible enough to know that if Leeds United are promoted - and I think they will be - that he has the chance to play in the Premier League.

"Whilst Leeds themselves will know that if he performs well, then his value skyrockets."

Leeds' Archie Gray stance

Leeds can't stand in the way of a player with huge potential. However, Palmer is right; they could find themselves in the top-flight by next season and are in a strong position to stand firm until then and offer him a more lucrative deal.

Gray's development is the most crucial thing, and he himself will know that the first-team opportunities are there at Elland Road, where they may not be so easy to find elsewhere.

He's already a key player at such a young age but has taken so much responsibility in his stride, across two positions no less, already. Leeds need to protect both themselves, whilst rewarding Gray for his outstanding contribution.