Crystal Palace interested in Leicester City winger Demarai Gray

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Leicester City winger Demarai Gray.

The former England U21 international could be available for under £2 million.

The 24-year-old fits the criteria in Palace’s quest to bring down the average age of their squad. He would also provide competition in wide areas, with Jeffrey Schlupp’s long-term injury leaving Andros Townsend and Ebere Eze as two of very few options to play either side of Roy Hodgson’s four-man midfield.

Gray is a Premier League winner with the Foxes in 2016 but has played just 18 league minutes this season. He appeared as a second half substitute in the 1-1 draw between Palace and Leicester in December.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed last month that Gray was looking to move on from the King Power Stadium. He said: “It’s pretty clear with Demarai that he’s looking to move on. His attitude to training has been first class, he has been very professional.

“He is at the stage of his career where he has been here a long time and hasn’t maybe nailed down a place. A fresh start may be the course for him.

“I will always respect him and until his last day I will never discard him, but it’s looking more than likely he will probably be somewhere else next season.”

Birmingham-born Gray has made 169 appearances for Leicester and scored 13 goals. He started his career at Birmingham City and in 2014 was the subject of a rejected bid by the Eagles.