Leeds United News

It would be no surprise if Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray was included in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad – but the stats show a Leeds United player is more deserving than Gray.

The 18-year-old has been a regular in Tottenham’s starting line-up over the last few months largely due to the enormous injury crisis plaguing Ange Postecoglou’s squad. Gray has largely played at centre-back.

He has also featured at right-back and left-back which has left Ally McCoist feeling sorry for the teenage Spurs star. Gray could be included in Tuchel’s squad when England take on Albania and Latvia in March.

Tuchel is said to be open to delving into the Championship when it comes to picking his England squad and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford is sure to be in the mix, given Burnley’s incredible defence.

Leeds player is more deserving of England call-up than Gray

But according to a new report from the CIES Football Observatory, they say a Leeds United player is actually more deserving of an England call-up over Gray in the form of on-fire defender Jayden Bogle.

The CIES, renowned for their incredible amount of data and stats, ran a report identifying 10 English players under the age of 25 yet to win an England call-up that are deserving of a place in Tuchel’s side.

Fourth on that list is Bogle, given his wonderful form at Elland Road over the last few months. He is ahead of Gray, who sits eighth in the list with the Tottenham man a regular for England’s U21 side these days.

CIES Football Observatory’s top 10 U25 Englishman deserving of first Three Lions call-up:

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What Junior Firpo said about Jayden Bogle after Watford win

Given Gray largely played at right-back for Leeds last season, it is ironic that Bogle was brought in as a £5m replacement for the Tottenham talent. But if anything, Bogle has improved on Gray at Elland Road.

While Gray’s ceiling is obviously higher than Bogle’s, the current Leeds no.2 is a better option on the right of the defence compared to Gray in his first senior season last term. He has had a hand in six goals.

Leeds United sit at the top of the Championship table after a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday with the club 10 games unbeaten – but it is a different story for Tottenham Hotspur.

Daniel Farke’s men look good for promotion, even if Farke was angry at times on Sunday during the 3-0 win. On-loan Tottenham star Manor Solomon opened the scoring, before two late goals won the match.

But at Tottenham, it is a different story. Archie Gray scored an own goal as Spurs suffered a 3-2 defeat to Everton on Sunday, leaving Spurs winless in the Premier League since December 15 and sitting 15th.

One player currently on the books at Tottenham is a target for Leeds over the course of the next two weeks. That man is Ben Davies, with Leeds keen on doing a deal for Davies with his deal ending in June.

Ben Davies admits ‘toughest period’ at Tottenham since 2014

A teammate to five players on the Leeds books at National Team level, 92-time Wales star Davies finally made his return from injury on Sunday and saw out the entire 90 minutes against David Moyes’ Everton.

Speaking after his side suffered a 3-2 defeat at Goodison Park, Davies admits Tottenham are enduring their worst period since he joined Spurs for £10m from Swansea more than a decade ago back in 2014.

“It is probably the toughest period since I’ve been at the club. We’ll see the players who are willing to fight and show they really care about this. It is a tough time for the club and squad,” Davies told BBC.

“We need people who will really fight. I see the work we put in every day. Everyone is hurting. It is a very difficult period and we’re hurting too like the fans,” the defender continued, amid reports Leeds are keen.

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Ben Davies stance on Leeds United move in January window

It feels a pretty ambitious move. But, one thing is for sure, Davies is well-liked at Leeds not just among his Wales teammates but by Leeds too given Leeds have been linked in the recent-past with signing Davies.

Ben Jacobs said last week that Davies would actually be keen on a move to Leeds, even on a temporary basis. But the chances of Tottenham allowing him to leave in the next fortnight is incredibly small.

Indeed, Tottenham’s injury list meant they had 11 fit players on Sunday and Richarlison, who England ace James Maddison is nowhere near ready to start. Spurs won’t be selling until players are back from injury.

It makes sense then, that Davies is more of a target for the summer given his contract situation. By then, Spurs will have players back and the chances of him signing a new deal seem slim, and Leeds could move.

Leeds United are eyeing an ambitious move to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies with the left-back’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Tottenham defender Ben Davies in the past and it comes as no surprise given that five Wales players are currently at Elland Road, including former Spurs man Joe Rodon.

This month, Leeds have been linked with Davies again who is one name on a long list of players currently injured at Tottenham. But the Wales international has entered the last six months of his current contract.

It has been claimed that Leeds are ‘pushing hard’ to sign Davies before the close of the January deadline and in fact, a ‘cut-price’ deal could be organised. Now, Tottenham are planning for life without Davies.

Leeds receive boost in pursuit of Ben Davies signing

That is according to reports from Caught Offside. They claim that Tottenham are one of a number of clubs including signing Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, with the Denmark player attracting plenty of interest.

The report states that not only Spurs are showing interest in Dorgu, but the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and other European clubs want to land the 20-year-old talent. Dorgu is rated at a fee of £42m by Lecce.

But Tottenham’s interest in Dorgu and possibly, other up-and-coming left-backs shows that Spurs are planning for life without Davies and a move this month could allow Leeds to find success in signing him.

Leeds fans will be excited by Jarrod Bowen’s Davies verdict

Davies has clocked up almost 350 appearances for Tottenham and is a household names when it comes to England’s top tier. While he is in his thirties, Davies would be an incredible signing for this Leeds side.

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A player with huge experience and Premier League know how is something Leeds lack significantly. If the club get promoted, having a player like Davies will go a long way to avoiding relegation during 25-26.

Daniel Farke has made it clear on a few occasions he expects Leeds United to have a quiet January transfer window, but according to the rumour mill – The Whites are working behind the scenes.

While Daniel Farke hinted at the need for a striker, he said last week he expects a quiet window at Elland Road. So far, the only news to emerge is striker Joe Gelhardt’s imminent move to local rivals Hull City.

Charlie Crew is also expected to leave Leeds on loan before the February 3 deadline. But according to recent reports, it might be a case of one Wales international leaving but another one joining the club.

Leeds are ‘pushing strongly’ to sign Wales defender Ben Davies

Leeds have been linked with Davies before. The experienced Spurs star has now spent more than 10 years at Spurs, nine games shy of reaching 350 Tottenham appearances but his contract is due to end in June.

Now, Leeds are interested in Davies again with the Spurs left-back once describing Leeds as a “massive club”. Max Wober’s injury issues and Junior Firpo’s contract situation makes Davies a viable target.

TeamTalk deliver a new update and say that Leeds are actually ‘pushing strongly’ to sign Davies before the end of the January deadline. The report also claims that a ‘cut-price’ deal is on the cards to sign Davies.

What Joe Rodon said about Wales teammate Ben Davies in 2022

Leeds currently boast five Wales internationals including Crew. Joe Rodon is another, along with captain Ethan Ampadu, winger Dan James and goalkeeper Karl Darlow while Connor Roberts left Leeds in June.

Speaking about his 92-time Wales teammate back in 2022, Rodon shared how Davies loves a 50-50 and described a tackle with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as one of the best things he’s seen on a football pitch.

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“I’ve seen this guy go into 50-50s and he comes out with everything, shin pads, boots, everything. A prime example, him and Hojbjerg going in for a 50-50, it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Ben won.”

Tottenham’s hefty injury list has seen Archie Gray playing at centre-back in recent weeks, so it might be that Leeds have to wait for Spurs to get some players back before they consider selling the defender.

The rumours continue to circle around Leeds United with the January transfer window in full flow and even though Daniel Farke expects a quiet window, reports suggest different.

It has been claimed that despite Farke’s comments, Leeds are in the market for four new signings. Indeed, The Whites want a full-back, a central defender, a midfielder and a striker before the February 3 deadline.

Plenty of players have been linked with moves to Leeds, from all over the world including beyond Europe. Some players reside in the Championship and many are currently on the books in the Premier League.

Leeds are being touted with a move for a player that has recently described Farke’s side as a “massive” club, and has plenty of connections with the Whites given he currently plays with a handful of them.

Ben Jacobs says Leeds United could sign Ben Davies this month

Leeds have been linked with Ben Davies in the past, and now the Tottenham star finds himself in the final six months of his Spurs contract. Now, Leeds are said to be interested in signing Davies, once again.

The chances of Tottenham letting a player leave seem unlikely given their incredible amount of injuries in recent weeks. So much so, Archie Gray has been playing in the middle of the defence for his new club.

Ben Jacobs told The Last Word on Spurs podcast: “Ben Davies, I think he will also be gone. The natural thing is to run down the contract. Leeds remain interested. Could be one to watch in the coming weeks.”

Ben Davies would be a sensational January addition at Leeds

Like Davies, Junior Firpo finds himself out of contract in the summer. Promotion might not even tempt Leeds or Firpo to agree on a new deal and the chances are, as things stand, that Firpo leaves on a free.

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But with Djed Spence playing at left-back for Tottenham and Gray on the left side of the defence, which are Davies’ two positions, the chances are that Ange Postecoglou will want to keep him until the summer.

Manor Solomon has had quite an eventful loan spell at Leeds United so far this season. On the whole though, the Spurs loan man has been a welcome addition for Daniel Farke, with the Israeli having become a key player of late.

The last few weeks have been quite up and down for Leeds United. In particular, the last couple of results have left many wanting more from the Whites, but Spurs loan man Manor Solomon has been a constant threat in games.

Particular in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, Solomon was a threat. But Solomon was left fuming after he was substituted in the second half, as Daniel Farke eyed a change in shape.

The 25-year-old Solomon then claimed an assist in the following game against Hull City, with three goals and five assists in his 19 Championship appearances for Leeds who remain in 1st place of the table as things stand.

The chances of Leeds United signing Manor Solomon revealed

Solomon is only on loan at Leeds United until the end of the 2024/25 season. And it’s thought that Leeds don’t have an option to buy Solomon, who joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk.

Speaking to Leeds United News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has discussed the chances of Leeds signing Solomon on a permanent deal during the summer, explaining how Solomon could potentially play his way to a permanent Elland Road stay.

Bailey said: “I think Jack Harrison will be back at Leeds in the summer, so Solomon will be one for the summer. He will dictate that, if he plays a leading part in promotion there’s a fair chance Leeds sign him. It’s on him.”

Manor Solomon discusses his Leeds United future

Solomon recently gave a lengthy interview to The Athletic. He discussed a number of topics including whether or not he’d be open to staying at the club beyond this season.

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And it seems as though the flying winger would certainly be open to the possibility. He said: “I love it here. I love the fans. I love the club. I love the players, the manager. Especially now, I’m really enjoying it and I love living here. Of course, it’s different to London, less things to do and we have less friends here. All the Israelis, they live in London, but we found our place here.

“You can’t predict what will happen in the future, whether I come back to Tottenham, whether I go to a different team, or whether I stay here in Leeds, you can’t predict it, but, of course, for me, the door is really open.”

Right now, Farke will be focused on who he can sign here and now, in this January transfer window, and then on securing promotion to the Premier League. Leeds take on Harrogate Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening.

Archie Gray was pivotal in a brilliant Tottenham Hotspur win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg, and Ange Postecoglou has been discussing the Leeds United academy product.

It’s now eight games in a row for Archie Gray in the middle of Tottenham’s defence with Postecoglou’s squad suffering from a huge injury list. He’s started six of the last seven Premier League games for Spurs.

Prior to his run in the side at centre-back alongside Radu Dragusin, Gray had failed to start in Tottenham’s first 13 Premier League games. Instead, he was being used in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

But now, Gray is starting every game for Spurs and on Wednesday night, he enjoyed arguably his best night in a Spurs shirt with a semi-final victory over Liverpool as Lucas Bergvall scored a late Spurs winner.

Ange Postecoglou raves about Tottenham wonderkid Archie Gray

Such is the extent of Tottenham’s injury list, Spurs had won just two of their previous 11 games. The last game between Spurs and Liverpool ended in a 6-3 Liverpool win, so goals were expected on Wednesday.

That was not the case, as Bergvall scored an 86th-minute winner. Gray helped Spurs keep only a second clean sheet in his run of eight games and after the win, Postecoglou heaped praise on teenager Gray.

“In a position he’s never played mate, you know, he’s never played. An 18-year-old. Name me another Premier League team with two 18-year-olds [Gray and Bergvall], one playing out of position consistently.

“I’m so happy they’re at our club and you know, in two or three years’ time, I just pray to God I’m the beneficiary of their talent, mate. If somebody else is getting it, I won’t be happy,” Postecoglou said.

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Jamie O’Hara was also in awe of Archie Gray’s Tottenham display

Shortly after Gray’s £40m move to Tottenham, Jamie O’Hara was critical of Spurs’ decision to sign Gray for such a big price. But now, it seems the TalkSPORT presenter is impressed: “Archie gray has been superb.”

Whether Gray retains is place in the side remains to be seen, when Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Micky van de Ven return from injury. Interestingly, Davies has emerged as a transfer target for Gray’s old side.

But Rodrigo Bentancur was taken off early and that has left Spurs even lighter in midfield. It might be that there is a space for Gray in his natural position when other defenders come back into contention at Spurs.

Archie Gray is someone who Leeds United fans will be following throughout his career, with the young defender sealing a dream £30million move to the Premier League last summer.

Archie Gray is now at Tottenham Hotspur where he’s gaining some great experience playing in the Premier League at the age of just 18, having made 12 league appearances for the North Londoners already this season.

Recently, it was revealed that Gray rejected both Liverpool and Manchester City so that he could head to Spurs and get proper first-team exposure.

Spurs though are now looking at another Leeds United player in Pascal Struijk. It’s been claimed recently that Struijk is a target for Spurs during this January transfer window, with the Dutchman valued at £25million by the 49ers.

Struijk scored the only goal in Leeds’ 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers on New Year’s Day, with Daniel Farke’s side remaining in 1st place of the Championship table, now with just a three-point lead at the top.

How Archie Gray could play role in Pascal Struijk move to Tottenham

Now, it looks as though the pieces might fall in place for Struijk to potentially head to Spurs, and join up with Gray, who may be more of a factor in the potential move than first thought.

Gray has filled in across the defence for Tottenham this season. He’s often found himself playing at centre-back but it seems as though Agne Postecoglou prefers him elsewhere, with Sky Sports confirming that Spurs want a centre-back, and that playing Gray there ‘has not been ideal’.

Their report writes: “Although he has done well under the circumstances, playing Archie Gray at centre-back has not been ideal so this is one area the club are looking to add depth, as well as in the forward positions and central midfield.”

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Struijk’s links to Spurs then may only get stronger as time goes on. As things stand, Spurs sit in 11th place of the Premier League table and have won just one of their last seven in the league.

The four centre-backs that Leeds United could replace Pascal Struijk with

Leeds themselves are light on centre-backs. Now with Struijk wanted by Spurs, it could force the 49ers’ hand in the transfer window.

But Leeds seem to have some irons in the fire with regards to a potential centre-back signing, with reports that Leeds have made a bid for Abdukodir Khusanov at RC Lens, who’s also wanted by the likes of PSG and Manchester City.

Elsewhere, Leeds are being strongly linked with Nico Elvedi at Borussia Monchengladbach, who could yet reunite with former boss Farke at Elland Road. Former Norwich City man Andrew Omobamidele is also linked with a Farke reunion.

Leeds United will be looking to strengthen in the January transfer window, as Daniel Farke aims to take his side back into the top-flight of English football.

January is a challenge for most clubs, with very few deals available and a reluctance to spend big due to the current financial restrictions in England.

However, there needs to be some business done by Leeds United.

A full-back, a centre-back and a No.10 are the obvious improvements and the loan market could help with that. It’s something that Leeds leaned on in January of this year, signing Connor Roberts.

Daniel Farke may also have a goalkeeper on his radar given the links involving Illan Meslier.

And it’s now been claimed that Leeds would be a more likely destination than the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur for Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds United the most likely destination for Caoimhin Kelleher

Illan Meslier has come under plenty of criticism for his goalkeeping in recent weeks, with errors present far too often in his game.

Whilst there currently isn’t a desperate need for a goalkeeper whilst he’s at the club, there’s the potential for him to leave in January given links to the Premier League and France.

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Mark Gallagher, who also writes for the Irish Daily Mail, has claimed (as per Extra) that Kelleher is more likely to be sold to the Championship than the Premier League.

‘Liverpool are more likely to sanction a move to a club chasing the Championship title, rather than one of their top-flight rivals, such as Chelsea or Tottenham, both of whom have also been mentioned as possible destinations.’

He also mentions.

‘Illan Meslier’s propensity to make the odd mistake, this move makes sense for Leeds, and possibly for Kelleher too, going to a big club who, more than likely, will be back in the Premier League next season.’

What has Graeme Bailey said about a move for Caoimhin Kelleher?

When speaking to Leeds United News, Graeme Bailey claimed the Whites have been talked out of a move for Kelleher, who is valued at £25 million.

“Kelleher is going to be very expensive. Last year he was linked with Celtic, but even Celtic are out of the equation.

“If you sold Meslier, he would be in the mix but a lot of teams will be after Kelleher. I imagine Leeds will be doing their homework on some goalkeepers if Meslier leaves and Kelleher will be one of them.

“He’s concentrating on Liverpool until the summer and then he will have his pick of clubs, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he tries to push through a move to Celtic.

“Does he choose Forest, Fulham, a mid-table Premier League team – or Champions League with Celtic?”

Archie Gray was handed only his second Premier League start after leaving Leeds United in the summer on Sunday night as Tottenham Hotspur clocked up a huge 5-0 win over Southampton.

The pressure was on Ange Postecoglou going into Sunday’s clash on the south coast and his problems were exacerbated by a dismal list of injuries, that included three first-choice centre-backs all sidelined.

Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were out injured, as was Ben Davies. It left just Radu Dragusin and Gray as options in the middle of Tottenham’s defence but that didn’t matter, as they cruised to a win.

Gray was excellent for Tottenham against a side that beat Leeds three times last season, including the play-offs. Indeed, Leeds fans reacted to Gray getting revenge on Southampton after losing at Wembley.

Archie Gray posts on Instagram as Tottenham beat Southampton

Gray was sensational, enjoying more touches than any other player on the pitch and the only one to touch the ball more than 100 times. Not only that, but the 18-year-old completed 97% of his passes.

Archie Gray’s stats for Tottenham in win v Southampton:

James Maddison scored a brace, while Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr and Son Heung-Min all got themselves on the score sheet. The 5-0 win over Southampton saw Russell Martin sacked by the Saints.

Leeds fans responded to Martin’s sacking on social media after the game, and Gray posted on Instagram. He said: “Great team performance and result! Onto Thursday.” Spurs face Man United in the Carabao Cup.

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Harry Gray posts Sergio Ramos GIF on Archie Gray’s Instagram

He was a rolls royce at the back for Tottenham, even denying what looked like a Southampton goal with a last-ditch block inside his own six-yard box as Fraser Forster kept a clean sheet against his old side.

Plenty responded to Gray’s Instagram, including Leeds youngsters Harry Gray and Jeremiah Mullen. His younger brother Harry actually posted a GIF of Sergio Ramos, while Mullen described him as “versatile”.

Djed Spence, now a Tottenham teammate after spending the first half of last season with Gray on loan at Leeds, described Gray as a “jack of all trades”. A brilliant performance for Gray, playing at centre-back.