Everton are closing in on a deal to sign ex-Leicester winger Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen, according to a Tweet from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The English left-winger, who won the Premier League in Leicester’s 2015/16 shock title-winning campaign, joined the Bundesliga side for a nominal fee in January.
However, according to the Italian transfer expert his stay in German football will be short-lived with the 25-year-old set to become one of Rafa Benitez’ first signings at Goodison Park.
Twitter: Everton are closing on signing Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen, confirmed. Deal now at final stages, buy out cla… https://t.co/y6IkJeWjeI (@FabrizioRomano)
The versatile attacker – who can also play on the right flank or as an attacking midfielder – only made 10 senior appearances for Leverkusen, scoring on his debut before failing to register another goal since.
Gray is a 26-cap England under-21 international and is also eligible to play for Jamaica at a senior level.
Prior to his Bundesliga stint, the home-grown talent registered 13 goals and 17 assists in 169 appearances for the Foxes.
He will sign a three-year deal at Everton.
Read Everton Verdict
Gray’s record in front of goal is far from electrifying and Everton fans may be left scratching their heads as to why Gray is needed at Goodison.
The Blues already have good depth on the wings, with the likes of Bernard and Alex Iwobi playing behind recognised talents such as Richarlison, so Gray feels surplus to requirements.
Bernard has been linked with a move to the UAE, which may explain the need for a new winger.
However, the nominal €2 million fee being commanded by Leverkusen at least offsets any significant risk. If Bernard is sold too, Gray is a cost-effective replacement that helps to fulfil the club’s home-grown quota requirements.
If Everton can find a way to work closely towards rehabilitating Gray into a more productive streak in front of goal, Everton could find wieldy value for money in the winger.
