Crystal Palace step up their interest in Demarai Gray with Jamaica international ready to leave Everton due to lack of regular starts

Crystal Palace are stepping up interest in Everton forward Demarai Gray.

The 27-year-old Jamaica international is ready to leave Goodison Park after growing frustrated with his starting opportunities towards the end of last season. He has a number of clubs who have shown interest with opportunities also opening up in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.

Everton are looking to strengthen in attack yet are willing to let Gray go for the right price. He was signed by Rafa Benitez from Bayer Leverkusen for £1.7million but they need to raise funds as they navigate Financial Fair Play restrictions and are looking for around £12m.

They have already sold striker Ellis Simms to Coventry City for a deal worth up to £8m and teenage left-back Ishe Samuels-Smith to Chelsea for £4m while Southampton have asked about Mason Holgate.

Gray made 36 appearances overall last season and scored six goals, including crucial equalisers in draws against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Crystal Palace are stepping up their interest in Demarai Gray, who could leave Everton

Roy Hodgson’s side are looking to secure the signing of Jamaica international Gray

So far, Ashley Young has arrived on a free while they have held talks with Villarreal’s Arnaut Danjuma who is also on Palace’s list.

Palace are awaiting free agent Wilfried Zaha’s decision over his next club while Michael Olise is poised to miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury. They have a restricted budget but have also enquired about Flamengo’s Matheus Franca.

Palace are waiting to see whether Wilfried Zaha, who is a free agent, will rejoin the club