Demarai Gray started Claude Puel's first game in charge of Leicester
New boss Claude Puel only has to convince the 21-year-old that he is a big part of his plans to get the £10m four-year deal over the line.
Gray got off to a flyer under Puel, helping the Frenchman to a win in his first game in charge in the 2-0 victory over Everton.
The speedy winger made Leicester’s first and ‘scored’ the second with the help of a massive deflection.
Gray has grown frustrated by the limited amount of game time he had under the previous regimes of both Claudio Ranieri and Craig Shakespeare.
The England Under-21 star’s bargaining strength has certainly been helped by Bournemouth’s £25m bid to land him in the summer.
It’s good to have that type of manager behind us
Leicester star Demarai Gray
Cherries boss Eddie Howe failed with two attempts to lure Gray away with a number of other clubs also watching developments closely.
Gray is confident that negotiations will come to a satisfactory conclusion, saying: “Everyone is communicating so I think it eventually should be sorted.
“That’s for my representative and the backroom staff to deal with. All I can do is what I’ve done against Everton and when it comes to getting sorted out we’ll get to it.
“We obviously wanted to see who the new manager was and stuff, a bit of stability, but I’m happy playing football here and let my representatives deal with that side of it.”
Claude Puel can't understand Jamie Carragher because of his accent
Gray believes life under Puel, renowned for bringing youngsters through, could be productive.
“It’s good. We have a good team and a lot of depth. It’s good for me and players like Ben Chilwell when there’s faith in the younger players,” said Gray.
“It’s good to have that type of manager behind us. I’m feeling good. I’m always prepared. I’ve always said I’m ready to play and I’ve waited a long time.
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Claude Puel won his first game in charge of Leicester
“Hopefully now this can be a start of a run of games for me. It’s what I need, to get some confidence and momentum myself and most importantly develop as a player.
“As long as I’m working hard I’m sure I can get that under the boss. He didn’t say too much to me beforehand.
“He just told me to do what I do best. After the game he praised me for my work and my football and that’s good for my confidence.”
