25 Sept 2015

62% Price-Crash: Liverpool can sign attacking 'game-changer' for £3m.Transfer fee agreement already in place

Earlier this month, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly despatched scouts to watch Birmingham attacker Demarai Gray in action, and new reports suggests that the coveted 19-year old will be available for a cut-price fee during the January transfer window.

Two weeks ago, 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".

Under the terms of Jordon Ibe's Birmingham loan deal, Liverpool have a 'contractual right to match any fee' for £8m-rated Gray, which automatically gives the Reds an advantage over other clubs seeking to sign the youngster.

Now, according to The Mirror:

"Demarai Gray can leave for just £3.5million in the winter window. Gray's buy-out clause goes down to just £3m next summer — which is certain to attract Premier League interest".

Clearly, whatever happens, if Liverpool want to sign Gray over the next two transfer windows, the club can get him for at least a 62% discount.

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.

That said, £3.5m is a good price for a player who could conceivable cost 5-10 times more in 2-3 years.

Worth a bid in January?

Author: Jaimie K


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