Sheffield United are reportedly leading the race for Leeds United striker Harry Gray amid mounting speculation over his future.
Gray is set to be on the move this summer after spending time on loan at Rotherham United last season, but couldn’t halt their slide out of League One.
But the 17-year-old showed enough flashes of his quality to suggest he is ready for a move to the second tier with a number of clubs chasing his signature.
According to the Leeds Press, Derby are among the interested parties along with Swansea City and Charlton Athletic.
But it is United who lead the way for Gray with Leeds boss Daniel Farke set to sanction his exit because he doesn’t feel he is quite ready for the Premier League.
Gray is set to join Leeds’ pre-season plan as he awaits his next move with United boss Chris Wilder keen for a striker to help them into the promotion picture.
It is claimed United have spoken to the player’s camp and are confident of clinching a deal.
It’s not the first time that Derby have been linked with Gray who comes from a fine footballing dynasty with the striker the son of former Nottingham Forest and Sunderland striker, Andy.
He is also the grandson of Frank Gray and the great nephew of Eddie Gray, both of whom, have played for Leeds and represented Scotland.
His brother is Archie Gray who currently plays for Tottenham and Harry is already making waves at Elland Road.
Leeds fans urged Whites boss Daniel Farke to elevate him to the first team in the wake of his form last season but the German explained he wasn’t quite ready.
“I have said everything what I have to say about him in my last press conference, and I won’t speak with him until we see him on the grass,” he said.
“And nothing has changed. Also, I wouldn’t compare his situation with someone who comes in there when the team is 4-0 or 5-0 up and gets his debut and everyone is happy, and then you don’t see him for a while anymore.
“When I came here to Leeds, I had Archie Gray, and we replaced my big leader, legend and vice captain Luke Ayling with a 17-year-old, and it was not easy. Last year I gave Mateo Joseph his debut and played him ahead of Patrick Bamford and Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe, and it was not easy in the dressing room.
“I’ve said everything about Harry that’s needed. He needs training sessions with the first team to get used to the proper physicality of men’s football in the Premier League. He needs game time in the U21s, in order to sustain his rhythm, and what he needs most is time and peace to develop and grow.”
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Derby Telegraph’s Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis
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