Demarai Gray made a lasting impression on Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri

Demarai Gray was unveiled as a Leicester player earlier in the week

Ranieri has revealed Demarai Gray's performance against Leicester City in the summer made up his mind about trying to sign the talented teenager.

Gray was already on Ranieri's radar after the Italian had watched videos of Birmingham in preparation for the pre-season friendly between the two sides.

But the 19-year-old really caught the attention of the Leicester manager during the game at St Andrew's on August 1, capping an impressive display by scoring a superb goal with a shot from outside the area.

After seeing him live for the first time, Ranieri launched a failed attempt to sign the winger but this week he finally got his man after meeting Gray's £3.75m release clause in his contract at Birmingham.

"I watched some matches before playing against Birmingham and already I saw he was very good. But when we played against him I thought: 'he is fantastic'," said Ranieri, who is likely to give Gray his Leicester debut at Tottenham in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Gray says new club Leicester are definitely capable of qualifying for the Champions League next year

"He was a very good player. He was fast, dribbled well and passed the ball well, he was a hard worker.

"We tried to buy him at the beginning of the season and it wasn't possible but now it is possible so we bought him.

"I saw my team and thought about how we could improve. I am sure Demarai Gray will improve my team.

"I think he is also for now. He can help me to give some rests when some wingers are tired."

Gray has represented England at U20 level and Birmingham boss Gary Rowett has already tipped the Blues academy product for full international honours.

Gray has a 'very good future' according to Claudio Ranieri

Ranieri also thinks his new acquisition has the potential, adding: "We bought him because I think he has a very good future.

"For this reason I didn't buy him just for this season, because in my opinion he is one of the very good young players in England."