Report outlines Everton manager Benitez’s expectations for Townsend and Gray

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Rafael Benitez hopes arriving duo Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray will provide Everton with a threat on the flank and a better supply chain to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

According to the Telegraph, the attackers are closing in on a move to Goodison Park. The former Leicester City ace will join for £1.5m from Bayer Leverkusen.

Gray only six months previously moved to the Bundesliga outfit from the Foxes. However, he struggled for consistency, making just 10 appearances in the German top flight.

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old is moving on a free transfer from Crystal Palace. He was a mainstay under former manager Roy Hodgson, playing 34 times in the Premier League.

Gray and Townsend are underwhelming signings

You can’t help but feel as though the signings of Gray and Townsend are incredibly underwhelming from Everton.

The Toffees squad needs a serious revamp after the horrid end to last season, but the duo are far from ideal additions.

Gray’s career has rarely taken flight since he broke onto the scene as a talented youngster. Numerous loan spells away from Leicester, coupled with a lack of starts, pose question marks over his ability.

Meanwhile, Townsend has fallen off spectacularly from the player who shone for England and Tottenham. While he provides plenty of industry, he has scored just twice and assisted six goals across his last two campaigns.

Expecting a threat and assistance for Calvert-Lewin from a pair of half-decent wingers is baffling. Everton need to add quality to their ranks if they want to outdo last year’s efforts.