Everton attacker Demarai Gray has now been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer as the transfer season gathers pace.
The 26-year-old became a peripheral figure at Everton following the appointment of Sean Dyche in January but has now attracted interest from Fulham.
Indeed, as reported via Sky Sports, Marco Silva’s side have emerged as a potential destination for the ‘strong’ Everton star.
About to enter into the final year of his contract at Everton, Gray was signed for an undisclosed fee from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in January 2021, though there is an option to extend his stay at Goodison for an additional year.
However, the report states that other clubs alongside Fulham are also ‘keen’ on securing Gray’s signature, though Everton’s stance on his future is as of yet unclear.
Gray fell out of favour with Dyche, but Everton must adequately replace him if they let him go
Demarai Gray scored six goals in all competitions for Everton last season and was occasionally deployed as a makeshift forward as the club’s attacking options were limited.
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Occasionally electric though often frustrating and inconsistent, Gray can produce goals out of nothing, such as last season’s stunner at the Etihad which won the club’s Goal of the month award.
However, after starting every Premier League game of last season under previous manager Frank Lampard, Gray was named as a substitute in five of the 18 games following Dyche’s appointment.
Indeed, it seemed the new Everton boss was not as keen on Gray as his predecessor, with the 26-year-old’s work rate perhaps not up to Sean Dyche’s high standards.
However, the attacker still finished the season as Everton’s second top scorer after Dwight McNeil, though this is perhaps more to do with the Blues’ shot shy options, rather than any kind of impressive form from Demarai Gray.
If Dyche does not fancy the player, it may be best to cash in of the forward seeing as there is just a year remaining on his current deal, though that money would have to be invested wisely as it would leave Everton even more short in attack than they already are.