Everton latest news: Rafa Benitez singled out after Toffees secure bargain transfer deal | OneFootball

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has praised Rafael Benitez's summer business and has been impressed with the impact of his signings.

How did Everton perform in the transfer market?

Going against their recent strategy, Everton spent just £1.8m this summer in making five additions to their squad.

That £1.8m was spent solely on Demarai Gray, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, just six months after he switched the Premier League for the Bundesliga.

The other four signings saw goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan join on free transfers to provide competition for Jordan Pickford, whilst Andros Townsend and Solomon Rondon also arrived for nothing, the latter coming in late on deadline day.

Everton were linked with several big names but were surprisingly one of the quieter Premier League sides.

Some supporters questioned the deals for Townsend and Gray, especially the former Tottenham man, who was released by Crystal Palace.

But Brown have been left impressed with what Benitez managed to get over the line in the window.

What did Brown say?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think everyone's quite impressed with the start he's made given they've spent basically no money. What did it cost, Demarai Gray for £1.5m is basically all they've spent really? And the players he's bought in are doing a great job."

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How have their signings fared?

Goalkeepers Begovic and Lonergan have made just one appearance between them, when the former lined up against Huddersfield in the Carabao Cup, whilst Rondon made his debut in the victory over Burnley – replacing Richarlison in the latter stages.

But whilst those three haven't contributed much, Gray and Townsend have been the shining light on Everton's season so far.

Gray has scored in each of his last three league matches, including the clincher against the Clarets, whilst Townsend put Everton ahead in that game with a stunning long-range effort which came after he assisted Michael Keane's equaliser.

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That was Townsend's second assist this season, meaning the pair alone have directly contributed to six of the Toffees' 10 Premier League goals – and are a major reason why Benitez's team are level on points with leaders Manchester United.