Leeds starlet Archie Gray set for Brentford medical amid European interest | OneFootball

Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray is on the verge of joining Brentford after agreeing personal terms with the club, according to The Atheltic.

The 18-year-old has attracted interest from several Premier League and European clubs, but Brentford have emerged as front-runners and are close to finalising the deal.

Chelsea were linked with a move for Gray a few days ago, while Borussia Dortmund also showed interest in the versatile Leeds star.

If his medical goes smoothly, Leeds is expected to agree to a transfer fee in the region of £35 million.

Other clubs remain interested, but Leeds’ financial situation has forced them to sanction the move early despite their reluctance to lose such a promising talent.

Leeds are desperate to balance their books and avoid potential sanctions under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Gray, as a homegrown product, translates to pure profit on the books.

Gray enjoyed a breakout season with Leeds in the Championship last term, playing a key role in their run to the play-off final.

The England Under-21 international made 44 appearances in the Championship under manager Daniel Farke.

A move to Brentford is the wisest decision for Gray’s development. He would find it hard to break into a team competing for Champions League football.

Gray will receive consistent playing time in the Premier League with Brentford, where he can grow and refine his skills against top-flight competition.

Director of football Phil Giles and technical director Lee Dykes had a recruitment meeting at the beginning of April and highlighted central midfield as an area in need of reinforcement.