Everton close in on the acquisitions of winger Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.
Gray moved to Bayer Leverkusen in January on a short-term deal and ended a sexy one-year spell in Leicester City. During his time with the Foxes, he was in and out of the team but became more and more a part player after Brendan Rodger’s arrival as manager.
Everton complete deals for winger Demarai Gray (£ 1.5m from Bayer Leverkusen) and Andros Townsend (free transfer).
– paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) July 18, 2021
He scored on his debut for Leverkusen last semester and continued to play 12 games and gave two assists. According to Paul Joyce, his time in Germany will soon end with Everton ending a deal worth £ 1.2 million.
It’s not the only deal that Toffees is close to completing either. Townsend, whose Crystal Palace contract expired at the end of June, could also be on his way to Merseyside.
The wing played 34 Premier League games for the Eagles last time and did just once. When Reading Michael Olise signs, there does not seem to be a place for Townsend in the new manager Patrick Vieira’s squad.
Everton also have a new head coach this season, with Rafa Benitez taking over earlier this month following Carlo Ancelotti’s surprise departure to Real Madrid. Benitez hopes his newcomers can help Toffees improve on another disappointing campaign last time.
After starting well, Everton lost significantly towards the end of the season and eventually finished below recently promoted Leeds United in 10th place.
One of the best wings in Premier League history – and Mo Salah / Alex Livesey / Getty Images
Toffees are getting ready for an active transfer window, although players will have to resign before signing any new recruits. James Rodriguez, Andre Gomes, Bernard, Fabian Delph, Yerry Mina and Cenk Tosun are all said to be on the cutting edge with Kalidou Koulibaly – who Benitez previously worked with in Naples – a possible target.
