Monday 22 June 2015

Demarai Gray is a wanted man - but will the Cherries land him?

The prospect of Demarai Gray still being a target for Eddie Howe at AFCB would perhaps not a massive shock had the club not already signed Josh King and Christian Atsu. The Birmingham City wideman is surely destined for a Premier League club this summer and AFCB don't seem to have allowed the big spending clubs much time to make their offers before going in again for the young winger.

There are a couple of interesting points that favour AFCB going back in for Demarai right now. Birmingham City will be after the best price that they can get for such a talented player but they are also looking to strengthen their side ahead of a new season and Gary Rowett will be wanting to put his imprint on a new Birmingham side, which is perhaps more financially constrained than some other clubs in the Championship. Demarai also can see the type of players that AFCB have already signed this season and that could persuade him that it is a club that will do all it can to stay in the Premier League.

Moving for yet another winger indicates that Eddie Howe sees this area of the pitch as a region where he can't afford to have inconsistent performances, and where he needs to be able to bring on players that can change games and win matches. If Gray does come to AFCB the squad will be front-loaded with players that are fast and comfortable at running with pace on the ball in the wide areas. It also gives the impression to me that Howe might not only be looking to make an impact in the League but also to have a serious go at getting even further in the cup competitions. 

Eddie Howe knows that Demarai Gray has a good temperament and with his contract expiring next year he would be a strong addition to the squad that fits the player profile of an eager English player wanting to succeed at the highest level. If as claimed £5 million has already been rejected for Gray last January, Birmingham City may yet decide to cash in before the start of next season if other Premier League clubs are no longer showing interest in the player.

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