Everton are closing in on the signing of former Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend on a free transfer. The 30-year-old has been without a team since his deal at Selhurst Park expired in late June. Everton are also interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Demarai Gray but a deal is not close yet. Townsend and new Everton boss Rafa Benitez worked together at Newcastle between March and June 2016 but could not avoid the Magpies' relegation to the Championship. In June, Townsend told Sky Sports News Everton were making the right move by securing Benitez as their new boss.

Source: Sky sports July 18, 2021 18:11 UTC