Everton are closing in on signing former Leicester City winger Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen. According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace also made an offer for the 25-year-old, but is willing to lose to the Toffees. The new coach Rafa Benítez is a well-known admirer of the player.
Benitez is set to oversee a recruiting wave at the Goodison Park club in the coming days, with Andros Townsend also as a free agent, as well as Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.
Everton near Demarai Gray’s firm
Six-month spell at Bayer Leverkusen
Everton’s deal for Demarai Gray marks a swift return to the Premier League for a player who was on Leicester City’s books until January 2021.
Gray’s former coach, Brendan Rodgers, praised the winger’s attitude and work ethic in training, but allowed the 25-year-old to leave King Power Stadium in search of regular first-team football.
Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen made that offer to Gray, who made ten appearances in the second half of the season, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
Gray is expected to sign a three-year contract with Everton, which will contain a release clause of just under £ 2 million.
Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic will also join Everton
Joining Demarai Gray at Goodison Park in due course will be the seasoned duo Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic. The former will arrive at the club as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Crystal Palace at the end of last season, while the latter will arrive from championship Bournemouth, also free of charge.
The former Tottenham Hotspur winger Townsend has spent the past five seasons at Selhurst Park, but was not offered a new contract before next season.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will return to the Premier League after a recent loan out at Qarabag FK in Azerbaijan and AC Milan in Serie A in Italy.
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