Crystal Palace and Everton in transfer battle to snap up Leeds wonderkid as Whites could cash in if promotion missed
CRYSTAL PALACE are after Leeds’ brilliant teen midfielder Archie Gray.
The Eagles have been tracking Gray, 17, for some time and his first-team breakthrough has put them on red alert.
Gray is seen as an alternative to Blackburn’s Adam Wharton, 19, who may be too pricey for Palace.
Leeds may have to cash in on Gray if they do not win promotion and Palace plan to swoop first.
Everton are also tracking Wharton in case they come into money. Toffees tried swap deals in summer but will need cash to make Rovers sell.
Gray has made eight appearances for Leeds this season in the Championship.
Manager Daniel Farke has hailed Gray’s progress this season and previously picked him out for praise for his performance against Millwall.
He said: “There is no guarantee but he has fulfilled all my expectations during the season so far.
“Obviously, it was a big challenge, the big ask for a 17-year-old guy because I know how impressive The Den can be but I have to say how he handled it was top class.”
Palace are in need of some more creativity in the team having been unable to break down Fulham in their goalless draw.
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The Eagles have been without star creator Michael Olise so far this season as the Frenchman has struggled with injury.
Olise has also been linked with an exit from Selhurst Park with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City interested in his signature.
Should the Eagles land Gray, then he could help fill the void vacated by Olise if he does leave.