Daniel Feliciano

Sun 25 June 2023 9:40, UK

Saudi Arabia giants Al Hilal want to sign Everton forward Demarai Gray as part of their ongoing swoop for Europe’s best talent, according to Sky Sports.

The newly-declared Jamaica international is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Goodison Park, with Premier League club Fulham previously showing an interest in his services.

But after Saudi clubs moved to make a splash this summer by signing the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves and a host of Chelsea players, Gray has now become the latest player to be linked with a move with negotiations set for this week in London with a delegation from Saudi Arabia.

“Al Hilal want to sign Everton forward Demarai Gray,” they wrote on their online live blog (25 June, 8:38am).

“A delegation from the Saudi Arabian side is expected in London this week for negotiations. 

“They have already signed Ruben Neves from Wolves this summer and also have interest in Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, as well as Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly.

“Three Premier League clubs are also interested in Gray.”

Madness

Gray has got 12 months remaining on his deal and his place in the side under Sean Dyche came under threat despite plenty of good performances.

With a new striker almost certain to be coming into the club this summer (we hope), that puts him down the pecking order with the majority of his appearances coming as the number nine under the boss.

The player has already made it clear that he wants to be playing regular football and he would almost certainly get that in Saudi Arabia, and he’d likely be earning a top salary too.

Everton can’t compete with that, and we’ve seen that the clubs from Saudi are willing to pay big money transfer fees that could be helpful for the summer budget.

Dyche needs to bolster the squad and if Gray isn’t in his plans, this could be the perfect way to get everyone what they want.

In other Everton news, 13 investors have emerged as part of the MSP group.