Leeds United can use Archie Gray blueprint to land Sunderland player ahead of Arsenal and Rangers: View | OneFootball

Leeds United's automatic promotion hopes took a dent on Saturday afternoon, courtesy of a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Coventry City.

But prior to Saturday's loss in the Midlands, the Whites had not lost a game in the league since December 29th, when they fell to a 1-0 defeat to West Brom.

With five Championship games to go, Daniel Farke's men sit third in the table and are only behind second-place Ipswich Town on goal difference, after the Tractor Boys lost the East Anglian derby to Norwich City in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.

The Whites still have a great chance of earning automatic promotion back to the Premier League, if they are able to look after their own results, while hoping for an Ipswich or Leicester slip along the way.

One of Farke's key assets this season has been 18-year-old academy graduate Archie Gray, who has excelled at both full-back and in defensive midfield this season.

The teenager has made 39 Championship appearances and 36 starts in his debut season for the Whites' senior team, which demonstrates the clear pathway from the academy set-up to the first team boasted by the West Yorkshire outfit.

Leeds could use Archie Gray blueprint to their advantage in battle for Sunderland's Mason Cotcher

According to The Telegraph, Farke's side have made an offer for former Sunderland youngster Mason Cotcher, after he impressed at a trial with the club, while the 17-year-old forward is also subject to interest from Premier League outfit Arsenal.

Cotcher played an under-18's Premier League game on trial for Man United at the end of January and then a further three for Leeds, and despite not being a Sunderland player anymore, they would be entitled to compensation if he moves to another club.

Scottish Premiership giants Rangers are also credited with interest in Cotcher, but the Whites could be able to sign the ace should they use Gray's blueprint to their advantage.

The 18-year-old wonderkid provides proof that Farke is keen to nurture young talent, by allowing them plenty of first team minutes, an opportunity which may not be possible at other clubs.

The starlet's current club are also an ideal destination for youthful players, as demonstrated by the contributions of teenage sensation Jobe Bellingham this season.

Cotcher was reportedly offered professional terms at the Stadium of Light last summer, but the Sunderland Echo reported that the teenager turned the offer down, which left the England under-17 international free to go on trial with other clubs - although the Whites will have to pay the Black Cats a compensation fee in order to land the youngster.

If Cotcher chooses to sign for Leeds, Farke and co can use Gray's example to their advantage as proof that they can offer the 17-year-old forward first team minutes.

Leeds United could be the ideal destination for Mason Cotcher

Gray has emerged as one of the finest young talents in the Championship, and has been shortlisted for the division's Young Player of the Season award, which epitomises Farke's ability to allow players of his age to shine.

This should make the prospect of joining the Elland Road outfit an attractive one for Cotcher, while the Whites should be able to afford the starlet potentially more game-time than Arsenal or Rangers would be able to.

Cotcher may wait to see if the Whites earn promotion before making his mind up, but Gray's example could show that the West Yorkshire outfit are the ideal destination for him, regardless of what division they are in.