'Mad talent' - Crystal Palace legend's 12-word message on £40m Leeds United target

Crystal Palace legend Yannick Bolasie has added his stamp of approval on Leeds United youngster Archie Gray amid reports that the Championship club are 'braced' for bids this summer.

The highly rated 17-year-old was the centre of a transfer storm in January but wasn't to be moved from the Yorkshire club. The versatile midfielder and full-back caught the eye once again on Wednesday night as he shone in his side's FA Cup defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - the player was awarded the Man of the Match award despite his side's defeat.

Coming across a highlights reel of the player's actions in the game, Bolasie took to social media platform X and said: "The talent is mad, he’s gonna be special…good brother as well."

The former Eagles winger faced Gray with Swansea City last November as the Whites came back from one goal down to defeat the Welsh side 3-1. Bolasie racked up 144 appearances for Crystal Palace and is believed to be on his way to Brazilian club Criciuma after leaving Swansea City earlier this year.

Bolasie also made reference to Gray's younger brother, Harry, who is part of the Leeds United academy but is a few years younger than his brother. Both boys are the sons of former Leeds United, Barnsley and Charlton Athletic player Andy Gray.

Last week, The Hard Tackle reported that Crystal Palace and Liverpool had received a 'major boost' in their pursuit of Gray and that Leeds United were 'bracing for a potential departure' - although it is thought the club will demand a lofty £40 million for the talented youngster.

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Gray has played a big part in Leeds United's season under Daniel Farke and signed a new deal in January to commit his future to the club until 2028, although a large sum of money would likely be too hard for Leeds United to turn down.

Other Premier League clubs have been linked with the player, including Everton, but it does appear that Liverpool are the frontrunners to complete a deal for Gray. OGC Nice also tried to sign the player last summer, before his breakout season at Leeds United but was out of the Ligue 1 outfit's price bracket.