As they contemplate a move for Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp, Leeds United is reportedly “bracing” for offers for Ilia Gruev and Archie Gray. This information comes from Carlton Palmer.
According to reports, the Whites may be prepared to let go of the 18-year-old midfield player during the summer transfer window in order to make room for the Spurs player who is expected to leave [The Athletic, June 13].
Although pundit Palmer believes the 23-year-old’s wages could be an issue, he admits Skipp would be a “fantastic” signing for Daniel Farke’s signing, especially if they were to lose one or two of their big-name stars in midfield.
As quoted by Football League World (14 June) he said: “Oliver Skipp is a tremendously talented 23-year-old from Spurs, Farke took him to Norwich in 2021 where they eventually won the Championship at a canter.
“While he has played and has some game time at Spurs, he’s not playing regularly, so a loan move would make a lot of sense. A stumbling block could be his £40,000-a-week salary.
“I think Leeds are bracing themselves for offers for Archie Gray or Gruev. There’s still a lot of interest in [Wilfried] Gnonto and [Crysencio] Summerville, so again it’s going to be a busy summer for Leeds in terms of goings-in and out.
“If Leeds can pull this off, this would be a fantastic signing—Skipp has been there and won the Championship.”
Will Leeds United offload Ilia Gruev and Archie Gray at Elland Road during the summer transfer window?
It has nearly been a given that some of the biggest names in Farke’s squad may leave Leeds United this summer after the team was denied promotion back to the Premier League.
Summerville and Gray’s futures have been talked about since the playoff game’s full-time whistle was blown, while Gruev has also been connected to several moves away from Elland Road.
If players who were so important to Farke’s campaign the previous season do leave, Leeds will need to find other players who can really make a difference, and Skipp can do just that in the Championship.
While he might not be as thrilling as Gray, he is familiar with the Whites boss’s style of play and how to exit the Championship. He might be a great addition if he had an immediate impact at Elland Road.
