Crystal Palace target Demarai Gray is similar to another Premier League winger the Eagles are also interested in, says Dean Jones.
According to Jones, the Everton star is being offered all over the place, and the journalist and transfer tipster believes Roy Hodgson would be happy if he arrived at Selhurst Park this summer.
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Crystal Palace transfer news: Demarai Gray
The MailOnline recently reported that Palace are interested in Gray as they look to bring in a new wide man.
The same outlet claim the 27-year-old is open to leaving Goodison Park this transfer window and will cost just £12m.
The Eagles could do it with the entry of another end, with the departure of Wilfried Zaha. The Ivory Coast international’s contract has expired, so he is now free to join Galatasaray.
Gray played 36 games for Everton last season, scoring six goals (via Transfermarkt).
What has Dean Jones said about Demarai Gray and Crystal Palace?
As well as Gray, Palace are also interested in Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi. According to the Evening Standard, the south London club are one of the sides who have him on their radar.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about the two Premier League ends, Jones said: “I feel whoever doesn’t get Hudson-Odoi will go for Demarai Gray because you get a similar package there in terms of creativity, in terms of spark, in terms of what they can do in one-on-one situations.
“And I know they’re both being offered to similar clubs at the moment, so if Palace didn’t get Hudson-Odoi but ended up with Demarai Gray, I think Roy Hodgson will be happy with that. I know he’s a player he’s valued in the past as well.”
What next for Crystal Palace?
Palace’s priority would have been to try and convince Zaha to stay at Selhurst Park. He has been such an influential player for the club, making 458 appearances and scoring 90 goals in a red and blue shirt, according to Transfermarkt.
However, having failed to do so, they will obviously need to sign a new winger like Gray or Hudson-Odoi now.
There is also the matter of trying to keep his other key players in south London. Cheick Doucoure, for example, is attracting interest from Liverpool, reports The Athletic. However, the midfielder is not the only Palace star being targeted by another Premier League side.
The Guardian claim Chelsea are considering re-signing Marc Guehi following Wesley Fofana’s injury, while The Sun claim Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are keen on fellow central defender Joachim Andersen.
It doesn’t look great for Hodgson right now, but if Palace are able to retain the above names and add one of Gray or Hudson-Odoi to their squad, then they could be in for a good 2023/24 season.
