Leeds United urged to make 'incredible' Archie Gray transfer statement after £40m Tottenham deal

Re-signing Archie Gray in the January transfer window would be an "incredible" statement of intent from Leeds United in their battle to gain promotion to the Premier League.

That is the view of former Whites midfielder Lee Sharpe ahead of today's Championship clash with Plymouth Argyle.

Gray has been a bit-part player for Tottenham Hotspur since joining the Premier League club in a £40m deal from United last summer. The teenager has been regular in cup competitions for Ange Postecoglou's side, playing every minute of the club’s Europa League and Carabao Cup campaigns so far, but is still waiting to make his first top-flight start.

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Rumour is rife Spurs could allow Gray to leave on a temporary basis in search of regular game time in the New Year. The England Under-21 international has been strongly linked with an Elland Road return.

Speaking exclusively to BestBettingSites.com, Sharpe said: "I think it would be unbelievable if Leeds could take Archie on loan in the second half of the season.

"It would be one of those deals that suits everyone. Archie would be playing regular football at a very high standard in an environment that he has flourished in before, he would get better and would go back to Tottenham a better player. It would be great for Leeds because he’s such a quality, versatile player. It’s a loan that would benefit all parties."

Gray has played nine times for Tottenham, with Postecoglou's men currently eighth in the Premier League. "Archie’s still a young lad and I think he's at great club in Tottenham with a great manager in Ange Postecoglou," said Sharpe. "It’s going to take time for him to establish himself in that team and, I don’t think Tottenham or Ange want to put him under that kind of pressure too soon.

"Archie Gary has got unbelievable ability. His football knowledge and football brain is incredible, and I think he'll be a huge success, but he's just a young lad at the moment and I think Tottenham have a development plan for him rather than just throwing him in the deep end."

Speaking earlier this month, United boss Daniel Farke refused to be drawn on speculation linking the club with a move for Gray. "I don’t speak about other players who are under contract at other clubs. I’m a bit reluctant to do any comments who are not under contract anymore," he said. "Our fingers are crossed for Archie and his whole career. If you want some recommendation, he already has my telephone number but I keep it pretty private what I recommend."