Gray is tipped to link up with Rafa at Everton

FORMER Leicester City winger Demarai Gray looks set to make a surprise return to the Premier League with Everton, writes Chris Watson.

Gray, part of City’s 2016 Premier League title-winning squad, was sold to German side Bayer Leverkusen in January for a fee of around £2 million after falling out of favour under Brendan Rodgers.

The 25-year-old has made 10 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen, scoring once and providing two assists. He also had a couple of outings in the Europa League.

Gray signed a contract until June 2022 but is now being tipped to link up with new Everton boss Rafa Benitez at Goodison Park.

Paul Joyce, of The Times, posted on Twitter that Everton are “closing in on deals” for Gray and fellow winger Andros Townsend of Crystal Palace.

It is claimed Gray will cost the Toffees a fee of £1.5 million, while Townsend is available on a free transfer after his contract at Palace expired.

Gray, who was linked with Roma earlier in the summer transfer window, made 169 appearances for Leicester and scored 13 goals, having arrived from Birmingham City for £3.5 million in January 2016.

Palace and Marseille were previously credited with an interest in the former England Under-21 international before he parted company with City.

On Gray’s departure from City, Rodgers said: “He has been a really good young player for the club. He has reached the age now at 24 where he wants to be a regular player somewhere.”