Archie Gray is closing in on a move to join Tottenham Hotspur and Graeme Bailey has exclusively told LeedsUnited.News that Joe Rodon will join Leeds United as part of the deal.
Gray, 18, has been the subject of a whirlwind weekend in which the England U21 star was initially heading to Brentford. Leeds then opted to reject the move to West London and Tottenham took full advantage.
Ange Postecoglou is reported to have held a sit-down chat with Gray on Sunday ahead of a move and a deal is said to be progressing nicely, with Sky Sports reporting part of his medical was done last night.
It was unclear if Leeds would ask for Joe Rodon or Oliver Skipp as part of the transfer, given the need to bring in a lump sum of cash and Leeds needing a big sale to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules.
But now, Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Rodon will be included in the deal:
Joe Rodon to be included in Tottenham deal for Archie Gray
Rodon, 26, clocked up 50 appearances for Leeds last season and became a real fan favourite at Elland Road. A leader on the pitch, a character off of it and one the Whites have been desperate to sign.
But there have been complications. With Leeds failing to gain promotion, it was unclear if The Whites would be able to meet Tottenham’s price of £10m, after they triggered a 12-month clause in his contract.
That and Leicester, Southampton and Ipswich have all shown interest. Football London reporter Alasdair Gold claimed on Sunday that Ipswich had made a ‘verbal offer’ to sign Rodon from Spurs this summer.
But Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Rodon will be included in a deal for Gray: “Leeds have wanted Rodon all summer after his brilliant spell at Leeds last season, but they were not alone in wanting him.
“The one thing they can’t offer is Premier League football next season. However, Leeds are a strong project going forward and they have persuaded Rodon to come via the Archie Gray deal.
“Losing Gray is a massive loss to the club, a real body blow but they have to move on quickly and securing Rodon as part of the deal is a major boost,” Bailey added, on Rodon being included in a deal.
What Daniel Farke thinks of Leeds selling Gray to Tottenham
There were suggestions over the weekend on social media that Daniel Farke had been angered by the decision to sell Gray. But reports then emerged, explaining the German manager’s stance on Gray’s exit.
It is claimed that Farke is obviously against Gray leaving Elland Road, but understands the need to do so in order to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules and avoid a points deduction at the start of 2024-25.
With Rodon included in a deal to take Gray to Tottenham, it is likely Farke will be a whole lot happier now that he will have the Welshman at his disposal next season ahead of a second push for promotion.