Gary Rowett lauds Birmingham City's 'biggest signing of the summer' in Demarai Gray

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett says the club have secured their biggest signing of the summer in keeping Demarai Gray at St Andrew's.

The 19-year-old has signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Blues, despite numerous bids having reportedly come in for the youngster.

Happy to sign a new deal with @BCFC yesterday. Ready for new season now ⚽️. #GodHasAPlan. pic.twitter.com/GMW7NtlP9R
— D R G ㊗️ (@Demarai33) July 15, 2015

Rowett is pleased that Gray's future has now been resolved, and says it will allow him to continue his development.

“From the minute I walked into the club again, you could tell he was a special talent," he told bcfc.com.

"He came back probably more focused this season. He came back slightly different physically, he looks a little bit bigger, he looks a little bit taller.

"And I just think to get him on a longer term contract just gives him that little more of a settled situation so he can play his football better.

"I think he is looking at another season where hopefully he gets 40-odd games and advances again.

"I'm really, really looking forward to working with him once more and I would think - without being disrespectful to anyone - it is our biggest signing of the summer so far, a fantastic deal for us."

Gray has made more than 50 appearances for the Blues in his relatively short career so far - scoring seven times - and has also won three international caps for England’s Under 20s.