Everton are interested in the services of Leicester City winger Demarai Gray.
At the time of writing, Everton sit 4th in table with 26 points, unarguably this being one of their best starts to a campaign in the Premier League era. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Rodriguez, Allan, Michael Keane and many others have been pillars of the climb and the fact that the Toffees have been so successful with minimal depth in certain areas makes the feat even more commendable.
The Toffees need to continue their evolution under Ancelotti and the next step will be to improve the squad depth. Certain players are not very trusted by Ancelotti and could be shown the exit door in the upcoming transfer window. Bernard is one such player who could be headed out of Goodison Park if an offer arrives.
The Brazilian doesn’t feature in the core Everton group, making just 6 appearances and getting 352 minutes of footballing action this season. He has often found himself in the squad but always restricted to the bench. Bernard was previously linked with a reunion with Paulo Fonseca at AS Roma.
The 28 year old is one of the highest paid players at the club, pocketing a handsome salary of £120,000 a week. With the player making just a few sporadic appearances, it is not the best decision financially to keep paying him without making use of his services.
If the former Shakhtar man leaves Goodison Park in January, which is a scenario that can’t be ruled out, the Toffees will need a replacement. Richarlison and James Rodriguez are Ancelotti’s first choice on the wings but taking note of the explosive performances of Alex Iwobi at right wing, the Colombian superstar may move into a central role of a No.10.
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Everton wouldn’t have bench support for the wing positions if Bernard is to leave. Anthony Gordon is the only backup but the youngster has been criminally underused this season. In such circumstance, Marcel Brands may look into the market for wingers.
According to 90min, Everton are tracking Demarai Gray’s situation at Leicester City. The 24 year old is about to enter the final six months of his contract and Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has already admitted that a contract extension is unlikely and the Englishman won’t remain at the King Power Stadium for the next season. The Foxes will try a last gasp attempt to sell the pacey winger for a cut price in order to fund a transfer for a winger as Cengiz Under has failed to impress in the Leicester blue.
Gray, a typical speedy winger with a sharp mind, has garnered praises since his rise from Birmingham and now at Leicester. The 24 year old has flair and bravery to take on defenders with a tendency to cut inside.
The winger’s finishing needs a lot of working and mending but the initial feeling is very optimistic. When you ask a Leicester fan, Gray’s potential is his most dominating trait, loads of talent and promise that needs to be unlocked which could be done by a key that comes with the name of Ancelotti.
If Bernard is to depart, a move for Gray is worth fancying in the January window especially if he’s available for a cut price.