Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'

Gareth Southgate recently praised Archie Gray's performances for England U21s (Image: Getty)

England boss Gareth Southgate has already tipped Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray for a huge future - and that's good news for Tottenham as they edge closer to bringing the 18-year-old to north London. The Durham-born teenager had an exceptional season for Leeds in The Championship across 2023/24 - making 44 appearances under Daniel Farke.

But he has also impressed for England's U21 side - scoring a goal against Azerbaijan in his debut earlier this year. And Gray's efforts haven't gone unnoticed by Southgate, who in May praised the star's work ethic for his club and hinted at his future inclusion in senior England squads.

While announcing the Euro 2024 squad last month, he said: "There are some players with the Under-21s who are doing exceptionally well, especially in midfield. The likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harvey Elliott, Rico [Lewis] was with us last time, Archie Gray at Leeds is doing very, very well I have to say, so there are a number of players in that group we could move in."

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After a third-place finish in the Championship, Leeds would be beaten by Southampton in Wembley's Play-Off final - but a number of Premier League managers hope that another year in the second tier could sway Gray to make a move. The Peacocks have reportedly turned down a £40million offer from Brentford for the midfielder, despite allowing him to travel for a medical at the weekend.

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And now, Spurs are said to have entered talks with the club for Gray's signature after monitoring the player for months. The highly-rated player is set to hold discussions with Ange Postecoglu on Sunday, as the Spurs manager looks to close in on the exciting deal.

While Chelsea and Arsenal are also linked with the teenage talent, The Athletic claim that Gray favours a move to Tottenham, and with Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe previously noting that the club may have to cash in on the midfielder, a deal could be imminent.

Archie Gray could be London bound (Image: Getty)

He said: "If I can paint the big picture for you, there are certain things that we need to do, and we will make sure we are fully compliant with PSR, as we always have been. And there are certain trade-offs that we have to make and so we'll have to get to the drawing board and figure out which moves we have to make sure that we are compliant.

"It's too early to say. Obviously Archie is a tremendous player, as are all of the players who put in so much effort for us, but you know, every season brings change and so I can't yet comment on it, but we'll see what happens."

Gray would help strengthen the heart of midfield at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially with Tanguy Ndombele having his contract mutually terminated by the club. Should they wish to sign the talented player, they will have to meet Leeds' reported £30m asking price.

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Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'

Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'

Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'

Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'

Tottenham have already learned Gareth Southgate's thoughts as 'huge deal advances'