Leicester's Demarai Gray close to signing new £50,000-a-week deal as club show commitment to youngster

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Demarai Gray is close to signing a new contract at Leicester in a sign of the club’s commitment to the young forward.

The England Under-21 international has been frustrated over game-time but Leicester value him highly and have offered fresh terms.

Negotiations are continuing but it is understood that a positive conclusion is expected, with Gray likely to double his current £25,000 per week wages in recognition of his growing status.

Demarai Gray is close to signing a new and improved contract at Leicester City

Leicester rejected a £25million bid from Bournemouth late in the summer window in the belief the 21-year-old has the potential to become a quality Premier League performer and senior England regular.

Gray has so far been limited to four substitute appearances off the bench this season but made an impact after coming on at half-time against Chelsea and Craig Shakespeare is considering starting the winger for Saturday’s trip to Huddersfield.

‘I stated a long time ago that for me Demarai has a big future at this football club,’ said Shakespeare. 

‘He is very well thought of and hopefully we can resolve that contract, which is on-going. I am not sure how far down the line it is, I've left that with the people who negotiate the transfers.’ 

Gray said: ‘We're in talks so I'll leave that to my representatives to deal with. I want to work hard and get myself into the team. I had a run around for 45 minutes against Chelsea, which is good for me, and hopefully I can turn it into starts.’

Gray skips past Chelsea forward Pedro during Saturday's Premier League encounter