On Tuesday, the Seville media reported Victor Orta had already taken steps to try and get Archie Gray from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter market
The idea was that Gray would arrive on loan, taking Sevilla’s final loanee spot, and be an option for the Spanish club until the end of the current season.
As we immediately pointed out, it felt quite unlikely indeed. Tottenham clearly rate the 18-year-old very highly, otherwise they wouldn’t have sent so much money to Leeds United for him.
Therefore, even if they were considering a loan, and there’s been little indication of that so far, Sevilla would surely be very far down the list of acceptable destinations and would likely have a thick line crossed through their name.
Sevilla have repeatedly demonstrated that they’re not exactly the best loan destination, and Spurs experienced that first hand with Alejo Véliz in the second half of last season.
The 21-year-old arrived much wanted by Orta, and yet despite the sports director’s messages to Spurs to allow the move, Véliz was only given around half an hour of action.
Wednesday saw the Seville media giving up on the idea, mentioning the above situation as a factor.
Now, Estadio Deportivo, the club’s local sport newspaper, states Tottenham have sent a distinct message via social media.
On Thursday, Spurs posted a picture of Gray with the words ‘Our Archie’, and that’s seen a very strong transfer hint.