Archie Gray ‘bid’ denied despite Newcastle interest - Keith Downie

On Wednesday, it was reported that Newcastle United were eyeing Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Archie Gray.

The Durham-born star has been on Newcastle's radar for a while, and was linked with a move to Tyneside from Leeds before he made his £30m switch to Spurs.

A report from Fabrizio Romano suggested that Newcastle had made an approach for Gray but were rebuffed by Spurs, who want to hold on to the 20-year-old.

There was no mention of a fee attached to the bid which made us question the validity of the claims, especially as it was Fabrizio Romano making them and he loves throwing around numbers.

Keith Downie rubbished Fabrizio Romano's claims

Sky Sports' Keith Downie cleared things up on X later on, however, stating that both clubs have rubbished the claims that any talks had taken place about Archie Gray.

Downie did acknowledge that Newcastle are interested in Gray and that his name has been mentioned in their transfer meetings, but that's as far as it has gone while saying that the ongoing talks for Sandro Tonali could have complicated matters.

‘Newcastle have not made a bid for Tottenham’s Archie Gray, according to sources at both clubs. 

'The 20-year-old’s name has come up in conversation at #NUFC, and there is an interest, but it hasn’t gone any further than that. 

'Any situation complicated by Spurs’ pursuit of Sandro Tonali. Tottenham are still at the table, and discussions centre around a deal of £90m+

Tottenham and Newcastle would go on to agree a deal for Sandro Tonali, which could net Newcastle £100 million, as we reported yesterday.

Could Tonali's move open the door for Gray to leave?

Whether this now frees up Archie Gray, given that Tonali's arrival will push the England youth international further down the pecking order, only time will tell.

We had wondered if Gray would be used as part of the deal to land Tonali, but it probably works out better for all involved if it's a cash deal and then a separate transaction for Gray.

Newcastle definitely need a strong central midfielder, and while still very young, Gray has plenty of experience and even more potential. He'd be a fantastic signing for Newcastle, but Spurs seem determined to keep hold of him. For now.