13 Sept 2015

Ibe-Killer? Liverpool chase £8m attacking 'game-changer'; transfer fee agreement already officially sealed with Birmingham

Despite having a whole host of promising players toiling away at Liverpool's academy, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering a move for yet another English teenager.

On Saturday, the Birmingham Mail claimed:

"Top scouts from Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City, watch [Demarai] Gray have an outstanding game in the England Under 20’s 1-0 defeat by the Czech Republic".

Birmingham recently rejected a £5m bid from Bournemouth, and according to Sky Sports:

"Sky sources understand City are holding out for a fee of between £7m and £8m for Gray".

Liverpool were last linked with Gray in May, and it appears that the Reds have a major advantage over other clubs when it comes to sealing a deal. According to The Mirror:

"Liverpool have a contractual right to match any fee for Gray...under the terms of Jordon Ibe’s loan to [Birmingham] City last season".

When asked about Gray's future recently, Birmingham boss Gary Rowett confirmed that Gray is a transfer target for lots of top clubs:

"There’s been interest, but the club has backed me. We know that we have to be realistic because every player at every club has a price."

Some info about Gray:

* 19-year old attacker who can play left/right wing, or as an attacking midfielder.

* Current contract expires in 2018.

* Dec 2014: The Daily Mail claimed 'Liverpool...want Demarai Gray [and] are monitoring his situation".

* 7 goals/3 assists in 57 games for Birmingham.

* 7 apps for various England youth teams.

* Last season: 6 goals/2 assists in 43 games for Birmingham.

* Rowett's assessment: "We have one of the best young players in the country in Dermari Gray. [he's a] game-changer; he’s level headed [and] anxious to learn. He’s a top talent...who can drift past defenders. He’s got all the attributes to be a top player".


If Liverpool sign Gray, it will be yet another slap in the face for the likes of Ojo, Kent, Canos, Teixeira, and the many other academy attackers who continue to toil away in the futile hope of making a breakthrough.

It will also stun Jordon Ibe's development, especially if Gray goes straight into the first-team squad.

In July, Gray signed a new contract with Birmingham, and he made the right decision. Playing regularly is far more important than sitting on Liverpool's bench, and if he's good enough, the big clubs will undoubtedly come calling again.

Author: Jaimie K


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