Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly emerged as the favourites to sign Leicester City winger Demarai Gray.
With less than six months remaining on his contract, Gray is free to hold discussions with foreign clubs regarding a free transfer in the summer.
However, Leicester's preference is to recoup a fee in January, something which has led to Crystal Palace and Leverkusen emerging as two of the frontrunners for his signature.
Despite suggestions that he may sign for Palace, Sky Sports News claims that Leverkusen regard themselves as most likely to wrap up a deal for the 24-year-old.
The report claims that the Bundesliga outfit, who have just signed Manchester United defender Timothy Fosu-Mensah in similar circumstances, may complete the transfer before close of play on Friday.
Gray has played just 18 minutes of football since the start of October, featuring as a substitute in the meeting with Palace on December 28.