Archie Gray targeted by Scotland secret agent as Leeds United star primed for international switch from England

Liam Cooper has turned secret agent in a bid to persuade Leeds United wonder kid Archie Gray to fulfil his Scotland destiny.

The 17-year-old midfielder is one of the hottest properties in England right now with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp on the trail of the £40m rated youngster. Gray is currently England under 18s captain – but comes from Scottish football royalty as the grandson and great nephew of Scotland and Leeds United legends Frank and Eddie Gray and son of former Scotland cap Andy.

Scotland no.2 John Carver also revealed Newcastle United £40m wide man Timo Livramento IS on the radar of the national team boss Steve Clarke as he qualifies through his Scottish mother. The SFA are keeping tabs on the 21-year-old wide man but Elland Road ace Cooper is doing his bit to persuade team-mate Gray to pledge allegiance to Scotland. The defender said: “I’m still trying to tap him up, don’t worry about that! No, I’ve been a bit of a secret agent. He knows I’ll always be there.

“He’s such a young boy and his family are steeped in Scottish and Leeds history. There is definitely a bit of sentiment there but he’s flying at the minute with England. He’s captain of the Under-18s, which is a bit of a stinker for us. But I’ll keep nipping away and hopefully I can break him down.

“Have I spoke to the manager about him? No, not really. Me and John Carver and the boys have a bit of craic. They know how it is. It’s tough. Especially when the boy is playing so well and is captain of England at the minute. But you never know.”

Meanwhile Carver admitted Livramento would be a thrilling prospect for Scotland. But the Premier League star is likely to take his time considering his options having been capped by England at all levels up to