Latest developments
- Real Madrid want to sign Archie Gray for £42 million.
- The teenage right-back has been forced to play at centre-back for Tottenham.
- He arrived for £40 million from Leeds in the summer.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Fichajes will take anything
Real Madrid have been so impressed with Tottenham Hotspur's makeshift centre-back Archie Gray that they are putting in a £42 million bid for the 18-year-old.
That is according to Spanish site fichajes.net, who are happy to post any rumour going with little source information to back them up. Then again, naming the price does suggest some validity.
Value (2/5): Quick profit for Spurs
Gray has done well considering he has been thrown in at the deep end this season, playing out of position to aid Spurs' defensive crisis. His market value has increased to £21 million.
Tottenham may have overspent to bring him in for £40 million, but they have the chance to turn a small profit, as Real want him for £42 million.
Suitability (2.5/5): Can now play across the back
The England under-21 international may even have surprised himself this season with his versatility across the back line, and that adaptability in a defensive four will be exactly what Real Madrid want.
Though his ceiling is very high, he still has a long way to go at the age of 18, and featuring for Los Blancos right now seems too much too soon.
Upgrade? (1.5/5): Trent back-up?
Assuming Real see him as a right-back, Gray can only be seen as one for the future. 33-year-olds Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez won't be at the Bernabeu much longer, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to replace them.
Logic (2/5): Too good to turn down
What better opportunity could there be for Gray than to act as understudy to Trent at the world's biggest club? It sounds like a dream move in one regard, but he may consider it preferable to develop at Tottenham, without the added pressure of life at Madrid.
Real have focused their attention on younger acquisitions, which Gray fits, but would they bid so heavily on a player who has barely featured in a top flight in his best position? It's certainly open to doubt.
Whisper+ verdict: 10/25
One day, Real might come knocking on Gray's door, but that time looks unlikely to come just yet.
