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word message as former Leeds United star hit with major announcement

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Archie Gray sends four-word message as former Leeds United star hit with major announcement - Leeds Live
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Former Leeds United star Archie Gray has fired an emotional message to Ange Postecoglou after his departure as Tottenham manager.

Gray left the Whites last summer to complete a permanent move to Spurs in a deal worth around £40million. The versatile midfielder won the Young Player of the Year award for Leeds - in 2024 - before completing a move from Elland Road to north London.

Since leaving Leeds, Gray has gone on to become a key member of the Tottenham squad - and also helped Spurs win the Europa League with Postecoglou as manager.

However, it was confirmed earlier this week that Postecoglou had been sacked from his role.

Postecoglou had been in charge for two years at Spurs, with the club finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, but still managed to qualify for the Champions League owing to their Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

A day after the sacking was confirmed, Gray took to Instagram to send a message to his now-former boss. The former Leeds star wrote on his Instagram story: "Thank you for everything gaffer," accompanied by a white love heart emoji and a photo of Gray and Postecoglou hugging.

It was back in August 2023 that Gray was handed his senior debut for Leeds under manager Daniel Farke. The midfielder was 17 years old at the time when he made his bow for United in a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City in the Championship.

He would go on to make 52 appearances in his first full season as a first-team player for Leeds, including 44 in the Championship. That helped Gray earn him his move to Tottenham, where he has since made 46 appearances in all competitions - 11 of which have come in the Europa League.

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Manor Solomon to Leeds United transfer takes a fresh twist as Tottenham decision made

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Manor Solomon to Leeds United transfer takes a fresh twist as Tottenham decision made - Leeds Live
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Leeds United have been handed a huge blow in their bid to sign former loanee Manor Solomon on a permanent deal this summer, according to the latest reports.

The Sun claims that the Israel international will be offered a second chance at Tottenham Hotspur - after helping Leeds win promotion last season.

Solomon made 39 Championship appearances for Daniel Farke's team and returned an impressive 10 goals and 12 assists after arriving from Spurs at the start of the campaign.

The 25-year-old scored a number of important goals including the strike that clinched the EFL Championship title on the final day of the season.

The Whites knew they needed to match Burnley's result against Millwall. However an own goal from Sam Byram gave the Pilgrims the lead, with the Clarets romping to a home win against the Lions.

A second half turnaround saw Willy Gnonto equalise after the half-time interval, before Solomon scored late into injury time to wrap up the title in dramatic fashion.

The Whites were hopeful of bringing the winger back to Elland Road permanently after playing a starring role last season, but the report now claims that Spurs are considering bringing him back into the first-team fold.

The Sun add that a decision is not likely to be impacted by the uncertainty around Ange Postecoglou's future. Solomon's last game for Spurs was back in September 2023 with a hamstring injury blighting his move to north London.

Leeds and a number of clubs across Europe are said to be keen on a swoop for Solomon this summer and it was widely reported that he'd be free to leave Spurs.

However, a final decision on his future is unlikely to be made until after Daniel Levy has decided whether, or not, the club will keep Postecoglou as manager.

The Australian head coach guided Spurs to Europa League glory this season, thus ending their 17-year wait for a trophy, but the dismal run of form in the Premier League saw them finish in 17th - 13 points above the relegation zone - and the three teams that eventually went down to the Championship.

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Daizen Maeda addresses Celtic future amid Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur transfer links

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Daizen Maeda addresses Celtic future amid Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur transfer links - Leeds Live
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Reported Leeds United target Daizen Maeda has indicated he might remain at Celtic beyond this summer following a standout season with the Bhoys.

The 27-year-old forward has had an incredible run since transferring to Celtic from Yokohama F. Marinos in 2022. He bagged a personal best of 33 goals across all competitions last term.

His prowess was further highlighted by his four-goal tally in the Champions League, the most for a Celtic player in the competition since the days of Joe Craig back in the 1977/78 season. He also cleaned up at Scotland's Player of the Year awards.

While such form has sparked transfer speculation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Mourinho's Fenerbahce noted as possible suitors along with links to Leeds, Liverpool, and West Ham, Maeda expressed contentment at the Scottish giants after an exemplary campaign.

As per his comments to the Japanese media, Maeda reflected: "I was in great form both personally and with the team. I'd like to keep it up next season.", reports the Daily Record.

He continued to express gratitude towards those who aided his success: "I'm who I am because of my team. I'd like to thank my teammates, and above all, my family for supporting me so far."

Maeda also reminisced about his career's evolution: "My career really took off here in Mito. When I first came to Mito, I thought, 'No one can run at all!".

The dynamic forward shed light on his strengths: "My forte is sprinting multiple times during a match and running for 90 minutes straight. I came to Mito and learned about not wanting to lose games."

Turkish media are abuzz with speculation that Fenerbahce is set to intensify their chase for Celtic's star player. Fotomac recently revealed an "optimistic" £8.4million bid is in the works for the sought-after Japanese talent.

Yet, Yeni Safak reports that the influential Mourinho is urging Fenerbahce's hierarchy to splash out on the player, branding him a "top target" and signalling they are "ready" to heed the iconic manager's advice.

Celtic are believed to be holding out for at least £25million for Maeda, aiming to break their transfer record sale for the second summer in a row, following Matt O'Riley's lucrative move to Brighton last year.

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Daniel Farke may not repeat Leeds United transfer trick with Tottenham Hotspur this summer

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Daniel Farke may not repeat Leeds United transfer trick with Tottenham Hotspur this summer - Leeds Live
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In the days after the Leeds United parade, Daniel Farke and the new board sat down to discuss contract decisions.

The fruits of those talks were made public a few weeks later, with Josuha Guilavogui being released while Sam Byram and Junior Firpo entered renewal negotiations. James Debayo was also offered new terms.

Meanwhile, Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell returned to their parent clubs. It’s not certain whether intentions over either player were talked about during that Farke sit-down but it would have been surprising if there had not at least been a mere mention.

In truth, there is only so much to discuss. With any decision resting on the stance of the parent club, Leeds can do little more than outline whether they would like to keep the loanee if the circumstances are right.

Numerous factors come into play, including the player’s mindset, the price tag and wages. And it doesn’t help when the talent in question is unsure what lies ahead.

Manor Solomon was due to speak with his inner circle about the road ahead in the days after the parade, but a week later said he still had no idea what the summer holds. Marseille have ruled themselves out of a move, though that hardly makes the picture clearer.

Solomon was brought to Tottenham Hotspur by Ange Postecoglou, who could soon leave the club. A new manager would throw up different questions for Solomon to think through, though Champions League football is always a lure.

It has been noticeably quieter on the Joe Rothwell front. The midfielder has been enjoying his holidays with his family, having essentially spent a year away from them after moving to Leeds on his own. Farke waxed lyrical about Rothwell being a "baller" and how his touches in training were like “pure poetry”.

Yet he did admit there were elements of Rothwell's game he’d like to see him improve and was always hesitant to play him away from home, when Leeds were more likely to be on the back foot. He ended his loan spell without scoring too.

All of this means Farke looks less likely to repeat last year’s trick of acquiring a loan player permanently as his first signing, having done so with Joe Rodon in 2024. That was a slightly unique situation, with Tottenham softened by their wanting of Archie Gray.

In the end, the two players swapped clubs, albeit in separate deals and for different amounts. Rodon had said he “felt at home” at Leeds, making his decision a lot easier.

Solomon has declared that Leeds will “always be in his heart” which is a slightly different tone, although he has not ruled out a return. He told Leeds Live last month that Farke staying in situ would be a factor in considering a permanent move, if such an offer arrived.

His agent, Shlomy Ben Ezra, has admitted Solomon would prefer to stay in the Premier League too - but added that anything could still happen. Ambiguity may hang around for a while yet with June usually a month of groundwork before decisions are made in July.

Some deals could be done before then but with the new profitability and sustainability cycle not commencing until next month, and with many out on international duty in the interim, the odds lower. A lot can change in a month, true.

But as things stand, the chances of a repeat of last year and Tottenham's Solomon being a first signing of the summer - let alone one at all - look slim.

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Tottenham Hotspur contract call opens door for Leeds United transfer possibility

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Tottenham Hotspur contract call opens door for Leeds United transfer possibility - Leeds Live
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With Junior Firpo and Sam Byram still yet to agree deals that secure their futures at Leeds United, questions linger over Daniel Farke’s left-back options.

As things stand, Isaac Schmidt - who has left the door open for a summer exit amid limited game time - is the only other realistic option in the role, with Max Wober a mere fill-in option. Though, this will certainly not be the final scenario.

If Firpo is lured elsewhere - amid links with the likes of Real Betis, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid - it seems clear that United will hunt for a new first-choice pick. Byram has told Leeds that he wishes to stay at Elland Road, but he will not be a regular starter even if a renewal is agreed.

With Firpo out of contract, he would leave for nothing and Leeds would miss the chance to yield a fee for their defender of four years. With spending limits already tight, the club will be looking at the best cost-effective buys, and that includes scouring the free agent market.

A number of names have inevitably been linked with the Whites, with some more appealing than others. Tottenham Hotspur are the latest to confirm their released list, and they perhaps offer an option that Leeds would ponder over.

They could do a lot worse than former Real Madrid and Manchester United left-back Sergio Reguilon, who boasts international, European and Premier League experience. Of course, there is a reason why he has become a free agent, and it’s not because he’s got an array of clubs waiting to offer him a lucrative haven.

Reguilon made just four Premier League and two cup appearances last season having largely been frozen out of Ange Postecoglou’s squad. He played no part in the club’s Europa League triumph having been left off their UEFA roster, and just two of his six outings were starts.

So there is the obvious risk of rust and a lack of confidence to deal with. Yet it was only last season, with Manchester United, that he played Champions League football while playing in 27 Premier League games for both the Red Devils and second loan club Brentford.

A total of 81 Premier League outings is not a bad tally, even if this is over five seasons. The drawbacks are evident but then, he is a free agent. He could help Leeds address a potential shortfall while having no impact on spending, aside from wages.

A move for Reguilon depends on where left-back sits in the transfer priority list - which again rests on what happens with Byram and Firpo. After all, aside from wages, they too would cost nothing to keep on. Plus, the likes of the linked Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas might be affordable.

There are concerns over Firpo’s defensive abilities in a Premier League season where his attacking skills will not be utilised as much. Some argue it might be best to let him go to bring another solid option in.

Whether Reguilon is that replacement is up for debate, and his recent lack of game time makes it hard to judge where he is at currently. But, at the very least, Tottenham’s decision on Reguilon gives Leeds an option to consider.

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Manor Solomon takes to social media as Leeds United investor reveals Tottenham transfer stance

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Manor Solomon takes to social media as Leeds United investor reveals Tottenham transfer stance - Leeds Live
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Manor Solomon has shared on social media that he spent the weekend at a luxury villa in Cyprus amid speculation about the player's future.

After spending last season on loan at Leeds United, the winger will return to his parent club, Tottenham Hotspur, when pre-season starts. Solomon is still under contract at Spurs until the summer of 2028 after signing a five-year deal when joining from Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, the Israel international has played just six times for the North London club. That was mainly due to injuring the meniscus on his right knee mere months into his debut season.

After requiring two surgeries, Solomon returned in time for pre-season but fell out of favour before making to loan move to Leeds. ESPN now claims he is one of multiple Tottenham players who must find a new club.

"I didn't know too much about Manor, but my friend Larry Nance [Jr.], who is also a Leeds fan [and fellow investor], told me about him and said he would be a huge boost for us," McConnell said.

"Wow, how right he was. Manor had an amazing season. His [ Championship -winning] goal [against Plymouth Argyle] was fantastic; it was really fun to watch him throughout the season.

"Of course, I would like to see him stay at Leeds next season after everything he has done for the club. I don't make the decisions, but I really like Solomon as a player."

While awaiting those decisions about his future, Solomon shared a sunset photo on his Instagram story on Wednesday. "Thank you to our friends for the weekend 10/10," he captioned the image, punctuating it with a red heart emoji.

In the post, he tagged the luxury concierge company A Room Service and Villa Gremos. The latter is a holiday home rental in the Cypriot city of Limassol, which they describe as a "one-of-a-kind luxury villa with the most breathtaking view on the island".

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Former Leeds United star Archie Gray shows true colours with Tottenham Hotspur medal gesture

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Former Leeds United star Archie Gray shows true colours with Tottenham Hotspur medal gesture - Leeds Live
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Archie Gray has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ben Davies, the long-standing Tottenham defender who recently clinched his first trophy with the club. Having joined Spurs from Swansea City 11 years ago, the Welshman had several near misses in his quest for silverware, but it always seemed to slip through his fingers.

However, last Wednesday marked a turning point when Ange Postecoglou's squad triumphed over Manchester United in the Europa League final. Although Davies didn't play in the match, he was instrumental in Spurs' journey to Bilbao, aiding their progression through the league phase and knockout rounds.

Since Gray's transfer from Leeds United to N17 last summer, Tottenham defender Davies has played a significant role in his development.

The Davies family have also been pivotal in helping the young player adjust to his new environment, and Gray admits he "probably would have struggled a little bit" both on and off the pitch without his teammate's support.

"Ben deserves every moment of this and more," the teenager shared with SPURSPLAY following Tottenham's 4-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. "Him, his whole family, they're incredible people, not just him. His whole family has taken me under their wing. They've really helped me this year.", reports Football London.

The England Under-21 international said: "If he wasn't here, I probably would have struggled a little bit off the pitch, on the pitch. I can't say enough words about him. He's been here for me the whole year. I wouldn't have been able to do what I've been able to do so far this year without him."

Gray was full of praise for his team-mate, saying: "For him, this moment, he deserves it 10 times over. What a player. The things he's done for this club is incredible and he'll continue to do it as well. He's a great professional and a great guy as well."

Gray has had an impressive first season at Tottenham, making 46 appearances and winning the Europa League. Instead of keeping his winner's medal, he plans to leave it at his family home to inspire his younger brothers.

"I'm not sure. I think I might give it to my little brothers at home, so they can look up to it a little bit," he revealed. "Hopefully it will make them work a bit harder."

Gray is now looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season. "Yeah, it's incredible to say," he said.

"Like everyone, it's a childhood dream to play in the Champions League. Hopefully I can do that next year. I can't wait."

It remains unclear whether Postecoglou will still be in charge of Spurs come the start of the season. Tottenham's poor league form and their 17th-place finish had appeared to be leading Postecoglou towards the exit door until their historic trophy win.

When Gray was asked if Postecoglou should get a third season, the midfielder had no hesitation in responding: "Yes, definitely. It’s been a great season this year and it’s been a roller coaster of a season as well, not just at the end.

"We’ve obviously had some really tough times and we stuck together. He’s big on things like family and I think the main thing that helped us get to the final and win the final is our morals of what we’re like as a team. Like I said, family is our main thing. We believe in each other and it’s like brothers going out there on the pitch in the final and we just fought for each other."

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Tottenham Hotspur striker answers transfer question after Leeds United and Wolves speculation

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Ex-Tottenham Hotspur striker answers transfer question after Leeds United and Wolves speculation - Leeds Live
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Troy Parrott has pledged his future to AZ Alkmaar, despite reports linking him with a summer move to Leeds United. The forward has only been in the Netherlands for a year after arriving from Tottenham Hotspur for a fee believed to in the region of €7m.

Parrott has enjoyed a strong campaign with AZ, hitting 20 goals across all competitions to help the club qualify for next season's Europa Conference League. He featured in Sunday’s 3-2 win at home to FC Twente.

His eye-catching performances have not gone unnoticed in England, with the Whites and Wolverhampton Wanderers said to be interested in signing the player. However, newspaper reports in the Netherlands suggest AZ are asking for a little over £25million for Parrott. The Republic of Ireland international has two years left to run on his deal with the Dutch outfit.

"Whatever happens, it’s not going to be my decision...if someone was to ask me right now, I would say I want to stay,” Parrott told the club’s TV channel after the Twente win. “I have had the best year of my life so far in football here, I have loved every second of it.

"The achievements of the group haven’t been what I wanted, given the positions we were in, but in terms of the team and the staff that I have come to know, I have loved every second of it. In my mind, I am here next season and ready to go again.”

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Manor Solomon to Leeds United transfer latest as Tottenham man 'gives clear green light'

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Manor Solomon to Leeds United transfer latest as Tottenham man 'gives clear green light' - Leeds Live
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Manor Solomon has reportedly approved of a potential move to Marseille during the summer transfer window. The French club are said to have sent scouts to Leeds United matches several times this season.

Their head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, also reputedly recommended the player to his club, giving his approval.

Talks with Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly not begun yet, but there are said to be discussions ongoing with the player's entourage regarding his financial demands.

Shlomy Ben Ezra (SBE) agency represents the Israel international, for whom Spurs reportedly could demand up to €2 0million (£17m). Sky Switzerland claims Solomon's entourage have confirmed an enquiry from Marseille, who they state has given the green light to such a move.

Solomon recently posted on Instagram: "I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart." "After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

"I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart. Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions!"

The team currently sitting second in Ligue 1, however, appears set to have such amounts to reinvest in their squad this summer.

They are said to be busy selling Luis Henrique to Champions League finalists Inter for between €25m (£21m) and €30m (£25m). Such a fee could cover Tottenham's demands for Solomon.

The French media outlet Jeunes Footeux now claims they would also prefer to part ways with Neal Maupay. Marseille are reputedly obligated to sign the striker from Everton for €4m (£3m) this summer as part of the loan deal they agreed last summer.

However, amid reported interest from several Premier League and Championship clubs, his future is said to lie elsewhere. Reports linking Maupay with Leeds emerged in the summer of 2022 before Everton paid Brighton a reported £15m for the player.

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Tottenham Hotspur deal transfer blow to Leeds United after £8.5m 'bid' planned

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Tottenham Hotspur deal transfer blow to Leeds United after £8.5m 'bid' planned - Leeds Live
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Leeds United have been handed a potential transfer blow after an update emerges about the future of one of their reported summer targets.

The Whites will be enjoying the next few months as they prepare for a return to the Premier League.

Daniel Farke's side secured automatic promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship title, and will now be looking ahead to the summer transfer window ahead of their return to the top flight.

A host of names have already been mentioned on the Leeds transfer rumour mill ahead of the summer window, which opens next month. One such player to be credited as a possible target for Leeds is Georgios Vagiannidis.

The Panathinaikos defender has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer as new sporting director Adam Underwood looks ahead to a busy first transfer window in the role.

However, a fresh report from Football Insider has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in signing Vagiannidis this summer.

It has been reported that Leeds will also face competition from Everton, Fulham and Sporting Lisbon for the right-back.

Spurs, it has been claimed, view Vagiannidis as a potential replacement for right-back Pedro Porro, who has been linked with a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

Reports earlier this month speculated that Leeds are willing to make a bid worth up to £8.5million to sign Vagiannidis, but that emerged before apparent interest from Tottemham emerged.

Vagiannidis, 23, has made 38 appearances for Panathinaikos this season, including seven in the UEFA Conference League.

The defender has also worn the captain's armband once this season, which came in Europe against Fiorentina in the last-16 stage of the competition.

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