Leeds United had actually been open to selling three other first-team players until it became apparent clubs were ready to pay a huge fee for Archie Gray.
Gray has now officially completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur on a six-year-deal for a fee that is expected to be worth in the region of £40 million.
As part of the deal, Joe Rodon has returned to Elland Road permanently after such an impressive loan spell last season, beating off Premier League competition.
And while Rodon will undoubtedly soften the blow, Gray was the player most Leeds supporters were reluctant to see go given his family’s ties with the club, and his progression through the academy.
But ever since Leeds’ play-off final defeat to Southampton, the club acknowledged at least one major sale was needed and with the June 30 financial deadline having surpassed on Sunday, Gray was the one attracting most interest.
Leeds had been open to Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto and Illan Meslier sales
Just a matter of days after the play-off final defeat, chairman Paraag Marathe was asked about the chances of Leeds being able to keep Gray.
At that stage, Marathe did not commit either way but did suggest fan reaction would play a part in any decisions they make.
Unfortunately due to Leeds’ need to sell, and a lack of interest in other key players, Marathe and the 49ers were left with little choice but to sanction a move for Gray.
However, according to the Athletic, there were actually three other members of last season’s first team squad that Leeds had been open to the sale of.
Crysencio Summerville, Illan Meslier and Willy Gnonto were those players, and it will now be interesting to see how they approach their futures after Gray’s sale.
Leeds explained in their statement upon Gray’s exit that they are now in a better position financially, and so unless big money offers come in, all three of those could end up staying.
What interest are Summerville, Meslier and Gnonto attracting?
Summerville is on the list of several Premier League clubs this summer but as of yet, there has been nothing in the way of formal offers.
Brighton had reportedly began talks over a move for the 22-year-old last month, but that does not appear to have gone anywhere and they have instead completed a £30m deal for Yankuba Minteh of Newcastle United.
Meslier, meanwhile, is said to be on the shortlist of Marseille. The Leeds goalkeeper is open to a move back to France this summer and in all honesty, losing him would not be a massive blow.
Gnonto is yet to really garner any significant interest as of yet but that could change as the summer progresses into August, as seen last year.