Liverpool are preparing a summer bid for Leeds midfield player Archie Gray in a move that could cost them over £40million.

The 17-year-old has emerged as one of the stars of the Championship this season, playing in all but one of Leeds’ games since making his professional debut on the opening day of the campaign.

Gray has been compared to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold due to his athleticism and ability to play in midfield and at right-back.

The teenager was named on Leeds’ bench for a Premier League game against Arsenal when he was just 16 two years ago, and was a regular substitute under Marcelo Bielsa and Javi Gracia, but was not given his debut until Daniel Farke took over as manager this season.

Leeds would be reluctant to sell a player who joined their Academy at the age of nine, and is the great nephew of club icon Eddie Gray, but with other Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace and Everton also interested they may have little choice.

Liverpool are preparing a summer bid for Leeds United’s teenage rising star Archie Gray

Gray (right) has played regularly this season and is valued by Leeds at up to £50million

Gray has been compared to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold because of his versatility

Gray is valued at between £40m and £50m by Leeds, and with his current contract expiring in 2025 the club may be forced to cash in next summer.

Gray’s father Andy also played for Leeds before moving to Nottingham Forest and enjoying a successful career in the EFL, which also saw him win two international caps for Scotland.

His 14-year-old brother, Harry, is also highly rated by Leeds and has established himself as a regular in the club’s under 18s.