“He has got heritage and family tradition totally steeped in Leeds, It goes beyond the normal relationship between player and club, his heart will be with Leeds irrespective of where they play next season”- EX PL CEO backs Archie Gray to reject offers to leave Leeds this summer as he says would stay at club irrespective of PL promotion or not

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has backed Archie Gray to reject a move away from Leeds United this summer – even if they fail to gain promotion.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested the 18-year-old will stay at Elland Road for the foreseeable future.

Football Insider revealed in March that Tottenham have joined the likes of Liverpool in the race to sign Leeds sensation Gray. European giants Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with potential swoops for the versatile teenager.

Gray, who signed a new four-year deal in January, has made 49 appearances so far this term – starting in 44 of those outings.

Gray tipped to reject Leeds exit this summer amid Liverpool and Real Madrid interest
The England Under-21 international is part of a Gray family dynasty at Leeds – with uncle Eddie playing 577 times for the club.

In a verdict that will chime well with the Whites faithful, Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Archie Gray has got heritage and family tradition which is totally steeped in Leeds.

“It goes beyond the normal relationship between player and club.

“You would expect a lot of family pressure to be applied on him to stay at Leeds and help them get promoted if they don’t manage it.

“He’s a great young talent, and I don’t think being in the Championship another season would hurt his value.

“In fact, I think another season of being in the shop window would increase his value.

“It depends on how he’s advised, but I think his heart will be with Leeds irrespective of the where they play next season.

“Sometimes, agents don’t go with your heart but instead go with where they think the best value for your career is.

“I do think one more season at Leeds could be the right decision for him. It would help him be remembered well at Elland Road.”