According to a recent report by the Telegraph (subscription required), Newcastle United are showing interest in recruiting Leicester City wing wizard Demarai Gray this summer. The same source has also revealed that the Magpies are among the clubs monitoring the Foxes attacker’s situation at the King Power Stadium.
Gray’s Unimpressive Season In The Premier League
The 24-year-old has experienced a campaign of mixed emotions at the East Midlands club after struggling to earn regular first-team starts under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. He has made 29 appearances for Leicester this term, netting three goals and providing five assists in all competitions which sheds light on his inconsistent form over the past 12 months.
Gray has mostly made a positive impact off the bench and has averaged 1.1 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the recently concluded Premier League campaign. The English attacker has also been quite tidy with his ball-distribution based on his pass completion rate of 87.3% in league football (stats via whoscored). However, he needs to improve his end-product considerably if he wants to be a regular feature in the English top-flight next season.
The Birmingham-born talent has also represented England at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions. Maybe a summer switch to St. James’ Park could help him earn more first-team starts which will be essential for his long-term growth as a winger.
What Are The Foxes Wide Player’s Best Attributes?
Gray can use his electric pace to make some driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He has been primarily deployed on the left flank but is also versatile enough to feature on the right-wing or play in the number ten position as an attacking midfielder if required.
The English talent can also get some quick shots in at goal and usually packs a lot of venom with his strikes from long range. However, he has been far from convincing in the final third this season, so a summer switch to St. James’ Park could provide him with a chance to make a fresh start away from the King Power.
Newcastle Showing Interest In Gray: Wise Move For Steve Bruce?
Gray will not only add more pace and creativity to the Newcastle attack but also improve the overall depth of their squad. Plus, he will also increase competition for the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin, Matt Ritchie and Christian Atsu in the race to secure a permanent starting spot in Steve Bruce’s first XI next season.
All in all, it makes a lot of sense for the Magpies to take a chance on Gray if he is available for the right price. Bruce has overseen the rise of Almiron and Saint-Maximin as his team’s primary attackers this season, so he could be the ideal man to get the best out of Gray in the years to come.
