Everton announce the signing of winger Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year deal

Everton have officially announced the £1.7million signing of winger Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen on a three-year contract.

Gray touched down in Florida, where the club are currently holding a pre-season training camp, on Thursday and successfully underwent his medical.

He has put pen to paper on a deal that also includes the option of a fourth year, and has become Everton’s third new addition his summer.

A Premier League title-winner with Leicester from the 2015-16 season, Gray has also played for England at every level from Under-18 to Under-21.

Speaking to Everton’s in-house media channel, the 25-year-old admitted he is keen to help the club push for European football again.  

‘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,’ Gray told evertontv.

‘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.’

It was revealed in the sleek announcement video posted on Everton’s social media platforms that Gray will sport the No 11 shirt this season. 

More to follow.