Demarai Gray transfer latest as Al-Shabab president makes admission over Everton winger
Demarai Gray has been linked with a move away from Everton this summer
The president of Al-Shabab is hopeful that his club will soon sign Everton winger Demarai Gray.
The ECHO understands that the Saudi Arabian side are in advanced talks with the Blues over a deal for Gray. Should an agreement be reached, it will then be up to the 27-year-old to decide whether he wants to move to Riyadh.
Gray has not featured in either of Everton’s opening two Premier League games, and he has been constantly linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer. And now Al-Shabab president Khaled Al-Thunayan, speaking to In The Goal, has revealed his club are hopeful of adding the Jamaica international to their squad.
He said: "God willing, we will soon hire Demarai Gray, a player from Everton and the Jamaican national team, as well as Nino, a defender who recently joined the Brazilian national team."
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Gray made 36 appearances for Everton in all competitions last season, scoring six goals, as they secured their Premier League safety on the final day of the season. However, he found his opportunities limited following the appointment of Sean Dyche in January.
Speaking ahead of his side’s defeat to Aston Villa, Blues boss Dyche claimed that Gray’s absence so far this season was down to a lack of match fitness after he returned late to pre-season training. His late return was due to him playing a key role in Jamaica's progress to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup.
Gray has also attracted interest from Besiktas, Crystal Palace and Fulham this summer, while Everton have added Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison - all three capable of playing out wide - to their squad.