Newcastle United join Liverpool and Man City in £50m chase for wonderkid

Newcastle United are keeping tabs on £50million sensation Archie Gray, according to reports. The youngster has emerged as a first-team regular for Leeds United this season. Relegation to the Championship has proven a blessing in disguise for the 17-year-old, who has played 29 league games under Daniel Farke.

A midfielder by trade, Gray has deputised at right-back since September to solve the Whites’ crisis in that position. His impressive performances led to Leeds cutting short Djed Spence’s loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur last month.

Now a report from HITC has claimed Newcastle are considering an approach this summer. The Magpies have prioritised youth investment since Dan Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director. Garang Kuol and Yankuba Minteh are two high-profile to join Newcastle’s ranks in recent times. The January window also resulted in United snatching Alfie Harrison from Manchester City’s youth setup. But Gray - an England under-20 international - would prove a unique acquisition altogether given his steep price tag. The report has also named Liverpool and Man City as potential suitors at the end of the season.

A lot could depend on what division Leeds are playing in next year. As it stands, the Whites are third in the Championship - placing them among the favourites to secure an instant Premier League return.

Gray signed a long-term future until 2028 last month but that could have been Leeds protecting their asset ahead of summer interest. Speaking earlier this season, Whites boss Farke backed the prodigy to become a star for England in the coming years.

"I think he will be quite crucial also for England in the mid-and-long-term future on international level,” he said. “(We) shouldn't concentrate on this (youth) level too much on the short-term success, especially when they are friendlies or perhaps against age groups that he's already outgrown."