Everton forward Demarai Gray is now close to joining Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab.
The ‘quality’ attacker has been left out of the Everton squad for the opening two Premier League fixtures of the season and ‘will now start talks’ with the Saudi side.
Indeed, the Jamaican international has been linked with a move to Fulham this summer, with Crystal Palace also reportedly interested, alongside teams in the Saudi Pro League.
However, as per Fabrizio Romano, the 27-year-old has reached a ‘verbal agreement’ with Al Shabab, though the journalist confirms that personal terms are yet to be agreed.
Taking to Twitter, Romano said: “Excl: Al Shabab reach verbal agreement in principle to sign Demarai Gray. Deal only agreed club to club at this stage – as Saudi sources confirm.
Al Shabab will now start talks also on personal terms – up to Demarai’s decision.”
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Gray move can secure much needed funds for Dyche’s attacking reinforcements
Sean Dyche left Gray on the substitute’s bench for five out of the last 18 games of the 2022/23 Premier League season and it has become clear that the Everton boss does not fancy the 27-year-old.
Indeed, the summer arrival of Dutch attacker Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan deal from Villarreal was a further indicator that Gray could be shown the exit door.
Demarai Gray joined the Blues in a £1.7m deal from German side Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2021 so Everton could be about to make a substantial profit on the forward.
As further evidenced by yesterday’s 4-0 defeat at Villa Park, the Toffees still have plenty of work to do in the transfer market this summer, and a cash injection from Gray’s sale could be a huge boost to Sean Dyche.
Gray contributed four Premier League goals for Everton last season as the Blues managed a measly total of 34 strikes last term.
Indeed, Everton have yet to score this season, as if to exemplify where Sean Dyche needs to strengthen and so recouping some of the club’s investment in Demarai Gray is good business for the Blues.