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Liverpool Echo

'You didn't want to train' - Sean Dyche hits back at Demarai Gray and makes brutal Everton transfer claim

Demarai Gray appeared to take a swipe at Everton manager Sean Dyche on Sunday morning

Sean Dyche has revealed Demarai Gray refused to train in a bid to force through a move away from Everton after the winger claimed he does not respect him.

Less than 24 hours after the Blues were held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane, Gray appeared to take a swipe at his manager when he posted a message on social media on Sunday morning.


Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "Everton fans have always been great with me. But it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person."

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The ECHO understands that Gray, who has so far failed to feature for the Blues this season, has been left angered by Everton's refusal to sanction a move away from Goodison Park.

READ MORE: Sean Dyche may well have been right with what he said about Everton

READ MORE: Amadou Onana breaks silence on Everton future after summer transfer window rumours


The 27-year-old has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League as well as Besiktas, Crystal Palace, Fulham and LOSC Lille. But following the late deadline day departures of Tom Cannon, Alex Iwobi and Neal Maupay, it was decided that Gray would remain an Everton player.

And now, responding to the post by Gray, Blues boss Dyche told evertontv: "It’s an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house. I think on this occasion, it's right to reply.

"Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move [away from Everton], and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.


"We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so. That’s the truth of it.

"We look after these players; we look at all the different ways of looking after them. Mental and wellbeing is big, the tactics and technical, the physical. We look at all of that for all these players, and we look after them.

"When it comes to a time like that, then you go, 'Well, hang on a minute. You made it clear you didn’t want to train, you didn’t want to be here, and you also said there was a move that was a done deal’.

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"We said it’s not a done deal because this club is the most important. This club will make decisions on the future of you as players and not the other way around. I think it’s right to let our fans know that’s the truth."

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