Carlton Palmer has warned Leeds United about the competition they will face if they move to re-sign Archie Gray on loan from Tottenham in January.
GIVEMESPORT has reported that Tottenham Hotspur are bracing themselves for serious interest in Archie Gray during January, with the Thorp Arch product struggling for game time under Ange Postecoglou, and there are thought to be suitors in both the Championship and Premier League.
Gray made the move to Tottenham in August after a successful breakthrough season with Leeds warranted the youngster's £30 million transfer to the Premier League side.
The former Whites gem did play 90 minutes against Manchester City in Spurs' 2-1 triumph over the Premier League champions in the Carabao Cup but first-team opportunities have been hard to come by.
Carlton Palmer warns Leeds United will face Archie Gray competition
Palmer - a former Whites midfielder himself - has told FLW that Gray would be a good signing for the Yorkshire club but warned them that they may struggle to get a deal done given the likely competition.
"Tottenham are bracing themselves for a host of clubs to test the waters in regard to taking Archie Gray on loan," he said.
"There's talk of Premier League clubs and Championship clubs who would be interested in taking him in on loan. Gray is still well thought of by Postecoglu. He sees the 18-year-old as a very shrewd bit of business, and one which will pay off in the long term.
"He's highly rated, but his game time has been affected, he hasn't had enough game time. He has only played 393 minutes of action in all competitions so far this season, so the question remains, will they let him go out on loan?
"If they do let him go, Leeds may have just missed out on his return with Premier League clubs interested. It would be a great bit of business if they could pull it off, but there will be lots of competition for the midfielder.
"I don't think he'd want to go to the likes of Southampton, who are struggling, maybe Leicester City, who are just outside the drop.
"I think it would be a great fit for him to return to Leeds. He's only 18, very versatile, as Leeds fans know, and he could play a major part from Christmas till the end of the season, by helping them get promoted back to the Premier League."
Archie Gray will be tempted by Leeds United return
Gray had an impressive impact at Elland Road last season - turning heads in his breakthrough campaign as he provided Leeds with a brilliant option at both right-back and in midfield.
His move to Spurs was warranted given his performances, many of which came at the age of just 17, and the fact he featured 52 times speaks to his huge potential.
Given their depth issues in midfield, the teenager would be a welcome addition to Farke's squad while you'd be hard-pressed to find any Leeds fan that wouldn't want to see him back at the club - even if it is only temporary.
The Whites are among the favourites for promotion in the Championship this season and re-signing Gray would certainly boost their hopes of returning to the top flight.
It's not likely to be easy given the reported Premier League interest but the player will certainly be tempted by the chance of leading his boyhood club back to the promised land.