---
title: "Southampton: Saints in for Demarai Gray"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-saints-ralph-hasenhuttl-leicester-demarai-gray-benfica-brendan-rodgers-raheem-sterling-sadio-mane/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jonathan radcliffe"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-01-03T18:10:00Z"
modified: "2021-01-03T18:10:00Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints in for Demarai Gray

**According to Record ([via Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-taken-first-steps-signing-saints-seen-tough-transfer-competition/)), Southampton have made the first move to sign Demarai Gray from Leicester City.**

### **Gray on Saints radar**

The Portuguese outlet commented on Benfica’s interest in the forward. The latter want the former Birmingham City man, but Southampton’s pursuit is likely to be a problem for them.

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Gray is [out of contract in the summer](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/demarai-gray/profil/spieler/292417), and the report says that the Saints have contacted his entourage to try and find out what kind of deal they would be looking for on a free transfer. Benfica, reportedly, would be unable to match what Southampton are ready to offer.

### **Flattering to deceive**

Gray is a player with plenty of raw ability. Darren Bent previously said that the [£10.8m-valued](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/demarai-gray/marktwertverlauf/spieler/292417) 24-year-old (Transfermarkt) is [“electric”](https://www.footballinsider247.com/hes-electric-exclusive-bent-reacts-as-spurs-open-preliminary-talks-to-sign-pl-dazzler/), while he has been compared to Premier League stars [Raheem Sterling](https://theathletic.com/1653017/2020/03/06/demarai-gray-leicester-birmingham-rodgers-where/) and [Sadio Mane](https://footballwhispers.com/blog/demarai-gray-offer-liverpool/) in the past. However, his is a career that has yet to really light up.

In 169 appearances for Leicester, he has managed just [13](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/demarai-gray/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/292417) goals and 17 assists – far less than what was expected. His playing time has significantly decreased over the past couple of seasons, and he has played just once in the Premier League so far this term.

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Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers has already [confirmed](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11712/12158515/demarai-gray-leicester-boss-brendan-rodgers-says-winger-is-likely-to-leave) that Gray will be moving on. On a free transfer, this is potentially an exciting deal for Southampton – under Ralph Hasenhuttl, he could finally fulfill his potential.

***In other news, [this man is eyeing a departure from the Saints.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-transfer-rumours/southampton-saints-yan-valery-ralph-hasenhuttl-st-marys-stadium/)***