Several Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Archie Gray, but Tottenham Hotspur aren't willing to sell the youngster before Tuesday night's transfer deadline, according to Alasdair Gold.
Gray has started each of Spurs' first two Premier League matches of the season at right-back after Pedro Porro returned to North London late this summer, following his World Cup exploits. The 20-year-old has shown glimpses of talent in his two seasons in the English top flight since joining Tottenham, prompting interest from other clubs in the division.
However, after selling Djed Spence to Inter Milan, Roberto De Zerbi's squad is light on right-back options, shown by the fact that Gray has stood in for Porro at the start of this season.
Gold insists that for this reason, Gray's exit won't be sanctioned before Tuesday's deadline, even on loan.
Tottenham to Hold on to Gray
Selling Spence to Inter was a risky move for Spurs to make, particularly given the England international is capable of playing on either side. However, the player wanted more regular minutes elsewhere, with the presence of Porro, Andy Robertson and Destiny Udogie in Tottenham's squad making it difficult for De Zerbi to promise this.
The Lilywhites therefore sanctioned his exit, promoting Gray to the second-choice right-back role. This has made the youngster an extremely valuable member of De Zerbi's squad, explaining why the Italian isn't willing to let go of the player at the eleventh hour.
Gold reports that multiple Premier League clubs have enquired about Gray's availability in the last day or so, and have been met with a firm response: they won't let him leave before the window is up.
Given the drop-off from Porro to Gray, the fact that Spurs are willing to potentially rely on the former Leeds man to play valuable minutes this season might set alarm bells ringing. However, the North London club still view the prospect as a developmental player who has the potential to become an exceptional player and can play a deputy role during a season with no European football.
Had Spurs not spent such a significant amount on incomings this summer, they might've been willing to allow Gray to leave on loan and to find an upgrade on him as Porro's back-up. However, given the extensive list of issues they needed to address that were deemed more important than sourcing a second choice right-back, the North Londoners are content with sticking what they have for now in this position.