Everton want to sign Leeds United gem Archie Gray in £40m+ deal
Everton are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Leeds United gem Archie Gray, whom the Whites value at £40-50million, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper shared via their website on 10 November that Everton have joined Liverpool and Crystal Palace in the pursuit of the 17-year-old who has become a fixture in Leeds’ first team this season.
It was also claimed in the report that, although the Yorkshire club are reluctant to let their star academy product leave, the Premier League interest could force their hand as Gray’s contract expires in 2025.
A new recruitment style
There have been suggestions this season that Everton are looking to move away from their old style of recruitment where they would spend big money on immediate fixes, with a view to bringing in younger players who can grow and thrive at the club.
Gray would certainly fall into the latter category, at just 17 years old, and he has plenty of room to improve and expand his game at Premier League level.
The level of the clubs interested in his signature is a testament to his ability and the promise he has shown already in his short professional career after he made his debut in Daniel Farke’s side earlier this season and has quickly made himself a starter.
It has to be said, Everton are unlikely to find £50million lying around to throw at a 17-year-old given their current financial situation, and even then it would be a difficult task to compete with Liverpool for his signature, but the interest remains strong.
In other Everton news, a person with knowledge of the takeover situation has refuted FA speculation.