Everton great Andy Gray has spoken of his relief that his old club failed to land Jesse Lingard - but believes Blues supporters need something to inspire them right now.
As reported by the ECHO earlier this month, Everton were considering a move for Lingard as a possible replacement for Richarlison and talks with the England international had taken place.
However, Lingard instead opted to join newly-promoted Nottingham Forest following his release from Manchester United. The midfielder has now become the highest-paid player in the club’s history after he penned a one-year deal on Thursday night.
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After a promising loan spell at West Ham United, Lingard returned to Old Trafford last summer, but he only managed two goals in 22 appearances. And Gray believes his old side have dodged a bullet by not managing to land the England international.
“I’m glad we didn’t get him if I’m honest. I wouldn’t have considered that,” he told talkSPORT. “That wouldn’t have filled me full of hope if we’d gotten Jesse.
“Jesse hasn’t done enough for me over the years to suggest that you might want to pay him £200,000-a-week.”
So far this summer, Everton have only managed to bring in James Tarkowski on a free transfer from Burnley, while Richarlison has left the club to join Tottenham Hotspur. And while Gray believes the defender will be a good addition to the Goodison Park club, he understands that Blues supporters will be wanting to see more transfer activity to give them a lift heading into the new campaign.
He said: “We have to cut our cloth. So this is where the expertise of the director of football, the manager, the coaches, has to be tested.
“We’ve got (James) Tarkowski in. He’s a good player. He’s proven. An international. I think he is a good lad. But that’s not gonna be enough for Everton.
“The fans need something to inspire them right now. Two weeks to go and Evertonians are flat. Particularly with what’s gone on on the (pre-season) tour.
“It’s not filled anyone with any (reason) to be excited about the start of the season. James is not gonna excite people.”
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