Brentford are close to signing Leeds star Archie Gray in a record deal, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
Thomas Frank’s team has signed a £40 million deal with the Yorkshire team, including additional services.
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Brentford have arranged a medical for Gray, who has agreed to a salary of £75,000 a week.
Should they secure his services, they would break their current transfer record of £30 million, after agreeing a £30 million deal for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago with Belgian side Club Brugge in February.
However, Brentford are aware that one of their Premier League rivals could still snap up the contract. Tottenham are known to be interested in the 18-year-old and are considering outbidding the offer on the table.
Gray is now also on the radar of Chelsea, Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.
However, as things stand, Brentford have the best chance of snapping up the teenager.
It is clear that Gray would have liked to stay at Leeds, but Brentford’s plans for him have impressed him.
The England youth international only made his senior debut on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
He made 52 appearances for the Whites in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists.
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Gray began the season as a central midfielder and later played predominantly as a right-back, demonstrating his versatility.
Leeds had hoped to secure a place in the Premier League but missed out on automatic promotion to Leicester and Ipswich.
Despite making it to the play-off final, Daniel Farke’s side lost to Southampton and will now have to spend at least another year in the second division.
It is believed that Gray’s departure would result in them complying with profit and sustainability rules, which would put them in a strong position should Crysencio Summerville receive any offers.
Club chairman Paraag Marathe could not rule out a move by Gray from Elland Road last month.
He said: “It is too early to answer specific questions. I cannot speak about specific players at the moment.”
“If I can paint the big picture, there are certain things we need to do and we will make sure we are fully compliant with the P&S regulations.
“We have to make certain compromises. We have to sit down at the drawing board and think about what steps we need to take.”
“Archie is obviously a great player, but every season brings changes. I can’t comment on that yet, but we’ll see what happens.”
Brentford, on the other hand, are looking to improve on their 16th place in the Premier League from last season.