Speaking on The Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has shared what he knows about Demarai Gray’s situation at Leicester, claiming that Southampton are one of the clubs that are in for him.
The Saints are well-stocked when it comes to wingers, but it seems as though they’re keen to add another one this month, with Gray reportedly in their sights.
The good news is that the 24-year-old is open to a move to the south-coast, with the winger reportedly excited by the prospect of playing regularly, while also admiring Southampton’s qualities as a club.
“I can tell you there have been attempts to extend Gray’s contract at Leicester City, and my understanding is that Gray has decided he will not accept those,” Castles said.
“That leaves Leicester with the option of trying to sell in this window as we discussed last month on this podcast, to try and get the last bit of potential equity out of that deal.
“Gray is now free to talk to clubs around the continent, they have started doing that, there is significant interest around Europe, one of the clubs who would like to take him I’m told is Benfica, they have held discussions, but Benfica believe Gray’s preference would be to go elsewhere and most likely to stay at an English club.”
Castles then went on to explain why English players are so highly-coveted due to the home-grown quota in the Premier League, before touching on Southampton’s interest.
“Southampton are one club that have expressed an interest in signing a player, and I’m told that is something that Gray would seriously consider because of Southampton’s qualities as a club and also the potential to play regularly and re-establish himself as a first-team Premier League footballer.”
This would be something of a coup if Southampton can pull it off.
As Castles says, Gray is into the final six months of his contract, so he may be able to move for a cut-price fee, and with clubs such as Tottenham reportedly keen on him, Southampton would do well to land this signing.
Of course, whether or not a deal can be brokered remains to be seen, but with the winger seemingly out of the picture at the King Power Stadium, it seems very likely that he will be on the move this month.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
