Fabrizio Romano: Everton fend off competition from Crystal Palace for Demarai Gray
Everton are set to beat Crystal Palace in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Demarai Gray, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian transfer guru, writing on his personal Twitter profile, said: “Everton are closing on signing Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen, confirmed. Deal now at final stages, buy out clause around €2m [£1.7million] – contract until 2024.
“Crystal Palace also made a bid but Everton are working to finalise the deal.”
Easy choice
No disrespect to Crystal Palace, who look to be building a young, exciting side, but we should always be beating them to signings given our stature and wealth.
Remarkably, though, 24-year-old Gray would probably fancy his chances to start more in the Blues side rather than Palace – they have Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze along the attacking midfield line, once the latter returns from his long-term injury.
Everton, meanwhile, only really have Richarlison as an out-and-out winger, with Alex Iwobi and Bernard not up to the task of starting regular Premier League games.
James Rodriguez starts on the right but he tends to play deeper, while his future has been the subject of uncertainty this summer.
As such, Gray will have every confidence that he can force his way into the Blues XI, and if he can unlock his early potential, he has every chance to.
England manager Gareth Southgate is someone who has been very complimentary about Gray’s talents – he called him up to the Three Lions squad in 2018, while he labelled him as “exceptional” [FA] during his time in charge of the Under-21s side two years earlier.
As a pacy, skilful and direct winger, Gray could thrive at Goodison Park.
His profile is one Blues supporters have been yearning for, and he could be the perfect foil for someone like Dominic Calvert-Lewin who is craving more creativity in the team.
In other Everton news, this French-born powerhouse international wants Blues move amid Rafa Benitez lure.
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