Liverpool are always keeping their eyes out for the latest talent from across the British football pyramid.
The Reds have made some super signings from UK based academies over recent years.
That looks set to continue this summer, with reports that Liverpool are close to signing Alvin Ayman from Wolves.
Ayman would join the likes of Ben Doak, Trey Nyoni and Bobby Clark in arriving over the past two years. Liverpool are brilliant at identify young players who can initially supplement the academy and then move to the first-team.
Every now and then though, one of these prospects slips through the net. And Liverpool now look set to feel the pain of missing out on one of the country’s very best teenagers.
Brentford agree deal for Archie Gray
Every so often, young players burst through at their clubs that are simply too good for academy football.
When you get a 16 or 17-year-old playing in the senior squad, you know they’re heading for big things. That’s exactly what happened with Harvey Elliott.
This season, one of the absolute breakout stars of English football has been Archie Gray at Leeds United.
Gray became a fixture in Daniel Farke’s side at just 17. This led to reports that Liverpool were interested in Gray and were even keeping in close contact with the Gray family.
However, according to journalist Nizaar Kinsella, the Reds are set to lose out on the 18-year-old. Taking to X on Saturday afternoon, Kinsella claimed that Brentford are closing in on a deal for Gray.
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“Brentford have made an enquiry for midfielder Archie Gray and are believed to be in pole position to sign him from Leeds,” says the journalist. “The Yorkshire club want at least £30m, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham believed to be interested.”
A little later on and Kinsella had another update, suggesting that despite Brentford’s work, there was ‘still time’ for a ‘hijack’ from another club.
“Leeds United are set to bank around £40million if all add-ons are met but payment structure is still being discussed,” he reports. “That would make it a club record fee for Brentford but there is still time for a last minute hijack as Archie Gray travels for his medical.
“Leeds wouldn’t want to lose a player they believe is a generational talent but the fee is substantial and pressure of PSR/FFP regulations leave them little choice. Although bid is reluctantly accepted, they feel it is a good deal given Kalvin Phillips went for just £5m more.”
Still time for twist in Archie Gray saga
As well as Kinsella, other journalists have weighed in on the Gray to Brentford saga on Saturday.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano posted that the Bees had reached a ‘verbal agreement’ over the youngster’s signing and were working towards completing a medical.
Meanwhile, BBC Sport’s Leeds correspondent Adam Pope claimed that although a medical is indeed due, the likes of Tottenham and other clubs are still ‘hovering.’ Nothing is seemingly done just yet.
From a Liverpool point of view though, we don’t see them going in for a deal like this for £40m.
The Reds had reportedly been ‘playing the long game’ over Gray and we’d suggest that that’s exactly what they’ll continue to do while he’s at Brentford.
A shame, but he’s still one to keep an eye over in the Premier League.