Leicester City manager Claude Puel has admitted that during his stint at Southampton, he wanted to sign exciting young winger Demarai Gray.
The England Under-21 international has been superb for the Foxes since Puel’s appointment and has established himself as a key part of the Frenchman’s plans at the club.
Puel only lasted a season at Southampton as he was sacked last summer. However, a new opportunity in England beckoned last month, as Leicester chose to replace Craig Shakespeare with the ex-Nice boss.
It simply didn’t work out for Puel at Saints but he is enjoying success at the King Power Stadium, with Leicester having won their last three Premier League games.
Gray has shone for Leicester and Puel, as quoted by the Leicester Mercury, admitted recently that he was keen to bring the former Birmingham man to St Mary’s before his dismissal.
I saw him last season in the Under-21 games and he can play in different positions for me. I wanted him before when I was at Southampton.
But I am happy he is in the colours of Leicester and that I found him in my squad because he is a valuable player for the team. He showed the quality to control the ball and the play, but also to turn to take space because of his pace.
Puel will be hoping to secure a somewhat satisfying result against Southampton on Wednesday night, as the two sides prepare to lock horns at St Mary’s Stadium.
