Derek Adams Daniel Farke, Morecambe Leeds United

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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Mon 21 July 2025 16:28, UK

Leeds United are among a host of clubs tracking highly-rated Morecambe scholar Olly Tonkin, sources have told Football Insider.

The 18-year-old is attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs and the Bundesliga.

The six-foot-three-inch tall centre back has caught the eye for Morecambe’s Under-21s, and clubs higher up the football pyramid are keen to lure away the talented teenager.

Archie Gray TottenhamArchie Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds United last summer. (Credit Imago)Leeds look to bolster strong youth team

Leeds began their pre-season with an underwhelming 0-0 draw against rivals Man United on Saturday, 19 July.

Whilst the football was lacklustre, supporters of the Yorkshire giants will have been delighted to see Tottenham ace Archie Gray‘s younger brother, Harry Gray, come on for the final 15 minutes against the Red Devils.

Joining him on the pitch in the latter stages were also youngsters Sam Chambers, Charlie Crew, and Rhys Chadwick.

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The academy has been a particular source of pride, no matter the ups and downs faced by the club in recent years.

And whilst he would be unlikely to feature much, Leeds‘ pursuit of Tonkin shows a desire to continue strengthening the club’s youth teams, and its future long-term.

Gray joined Tottenham for around £30million last year [BBC Sport], and that pure profit has gone a long way to bolster the Whites’ position with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

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Leeds United target Tonkin amid Morecambe chaos

Morecambe are facing the possibility of extinction after a takeover bid stalled recently, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Shrimps finished bottom of the football league last season and will compete in the National League next season.

Just three years ago, Derek Adams’ side were playing in League One, and the club are in crisis and look set to part with one of their most talented young players.

The Lancaster Guardian revealed that Morecambe’s friendly against Barrow AFC was cancelled as the players are refusing to play until the club’s ownership situation is resolved.

Club staff are also still awaiting the remainder of last month’s wages, highlighting the desperate situation the club find themselves embroiled in.

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