• Archie Gray highlights the importance of the Leeds United academy as a regular starter.
• Leeds could have their own version of Kalvin Phillips with Ollie Pickles fasttracked to the first team.
• Tottenham and Newcastle are already keeping tabs on Pickles.

Kalvin Phillips was a huge fan favourite at Leeds United before joining Manchester City.

Archie Gray has already highlighted the importance of the Leeds Untied academy this season as a regular starter under Daniel Farke. From zero senior appearances prior to the season beginning to 41 appearances seven months on, Gray has made quite an impact. The18yearold is just latest in a long list of academy graduates to make himself a fan favourite at Elland Road.

Kalvin Phillips earned bigmoney move to Manchester City

Kalvin Phillips is highest profile example in recent times, having helped guide Leeds into top flight after five years as senior regular.A move to Manchester City followed less said about that better but United could soon havePhillips 2.0in ranks.That if report by talkSPORT [26 March] anything go by,withOlliePicklessupposedly inline next fasttrackedtofirstteam.It suggested Premier League pair Tottenham and NewcastleUnitedalreadykeepingtabsyoungmidfielder.Ollie Pickles linked with Tottenham transferPickleshasearnedcomparisonswithPhillipsduehis calmness midfield hisabilitypickpass.Remindyouanyone?The16yearoldisimpressingforLeedsUnder18sPremierLeagueFAYouthCup,andheissimilarpathGrayandPhillips.

Archie Gray has been sensational in his breakthrough season at Leeds United.While he is highly unlikely to be used by Farke anytime soon, 202425 may well see him debut at senior level if Leeds do not go up. If promotion is achieved, it may be that the Whites look to find a club for Pickles to join on loan if they feel he is truly ready to make the step up.On basis of this report,it goes show thatLeeds'academyiscontinuinglookasstrongasever.In other LeedsUnitednews,Farke willbe desperateforapositiveupdateafterwhathappenedwithfirstteamregularonMonday(25March).