MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 23 July

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

Everton’s signing of Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen is featured across today's local and national newspapers

Gray’s arrival was confirmed on Thursday and the Daily Mail and Liverpool Echo carry quotes from the winger, who revealed his excitement about his future with the Blues.

“'Speaking to the manager [Rafa Benitez] and [Director of Football] Marcel Brands, I had a really good feel for the Club and I feel this is a place where I can continue to develop,” said Gray.

“The manager, with his ambition and what he has won in the past, is important and we'll look to push forward and compete with the top clubs. I think a club of this magnitude has all the potential to be right up there.”

Everton are again linked with a move for Dwight McNeil in the Lancashire Telegraph – but the local read claims Burnley are “in a strong position” to keep the winger at Turf Moor.

Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested in signing the 21-year-old.

Meanwhile, former Everton favourite Kevin Campbell has told Sky Sports why he believes Andros Townsend will prove a shrewd addition by boss Rafa Benitez.

"Townsend a reliable player, you know what you're going to get from him, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin should really be licking his lips,” said Campbell.

“This guy can really provide assists and devastating crosses in the box.”

The Liverpool Echo also reports on Everton CEO Professor Denise Barrett-Baxendale’s awards hat-trick at the National Business Women’s Awards.

Professor Barrett-Baxendale had already been named 'Business Woman of the Year’ in the large organisation category and ‘Influential Business Woman of the Year’, when she was revealed as the judges’ choice for the evening’s top honour.

The ‘Overall Business Woman of the Year’ award recognised Everton’s CEO for her exceptional leadership of Everton Football Club and steering the response of both the Football Club and its charity, Everton in the Community, to the global coronavirus outbreak.

There was also a fourth accolade for Professor Barrett-Baxendale when she received a silver award for Corporate Leader of the Year.