Everton FC

Gray becomes Everton’s third summer signing

Demarai Gray has become Everton’s third summer signing in less than a week.

Gray returns to the Premier League following a six-month spell at Bayer Leverkusen as the Blues’ latest addition in Rafael Benitez’s early tenure.

The 25-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal, follows free agents Andros Townsend and Asmir Begovic in joining the ranks at Goodison Park.

He said: “I’m delighted to be back in the Premier League at such a big club and I’m excited to play with the team and get to work.

“Speaking to the manager and [Director of Football] Marcel Brands, I had a really good feel for the club and I feel this is a place where I can continue to develop.

“The manager, with his ambition and what he has won in the past, is important and we’ll look to push forward and compete with the top clubs.

“I think a club of this magnitude has all the potential to be right up there.

“Collectively with what Marcel and the manager have said to me, everything fits, including the club’s ambitions and goals.

“Everton are a very big club and the main objective is to be pushing and competing back up there in the table.

“I want to work hard on the training pitch and work my hardest for the club on the pitch.”