Craig Shakespeare confirms bids rejected for Demarai Gray amid reported Spurs offer; new contract imminent

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Leicester City look set to keep hold of Bournemouth and Tottenham target Demarai Gray.

Leicester City boss Craig Shakespeare has told The Mirror that the offers submitted for winger Demarai Gray over the summer did not meet the club’s valuation – and he may now sign a new contract with the Foxes.

The Foxes landed Gray from Birmingham City back in January 2016 having emerged as one of English football’s top young talents, hitting eight goals in 78 games for his hometown club.

Whilst Gray has been tipped for a huge future, the 21-year-old has yet to really nail down a place in the Leicester side, starting just nine Premier League games last season – and he has yet to start in the league this term.

The winger has often suggested that he is frustrated with his lack of playing time with the Foxes, but Leicester have always maintained that they want to keep Gray at the King Power Stadium.

Now, The Mirror report that Gray is close to signing a new contract to stay with Leicester, and he will hope to challenge Marc Albrighton for a starting spot on the left of midfield this season and beyond.

Gray’s alleged new deal comes just weeks after Leicester fended off major interest in his signature, as The Mirror claimed that Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur both failed with late bids just before the transfer deadline.

Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare has now discussed the subject, stating that he was aware of the offers that came in for Gray, but they simply didn’t meet Leicester’s valuation, as they always intended to keep him with the club.

Shakespeare added that he has spoken with Gray about his future, telling the winger that he is wanted and valued despite his lack of playing time – and it remains to be seen whether his fortunes will improve after signing a new deal.

“I am aware we got bids. They didn’t meet our ­valuation — and we didn’t want to sell Demarai anyway,” said Shakespeare. “He has a big future at this football club and he is very well thought of. Hopefully, we can resolve that contract, which is ongoing.”

“I have spoken to ­Demarai, he is in a good place, and knows how valued he is here. He wants more game time and, in an ideal world, we want to give him that game time and he wants to develop here,” he added.