Everton transfer news as Crystal Palace step up interest in Demarai Gray
Crystal Palace are stepping up their interest in Everton forward Demarai Gray, with the Jamaican international ready for a fresh start, according to the Daily Mail.
According to the report (17 July), Gray has grown frustrated at his limited role at Goodison Park and is seeking a fresh start elsewhere with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal and Fulham also reportedly interested.
The Mail claimed on 2 July that Premier League rivals Palace are eager to sign the winger as they look for a replacement for Wilfried Zaha and are now said to be stepping up their pursuit for the 27-year-old former Leicester City forward.
Departure now set
Everton are desperate for funds right now, following their FFP restrictions and the reported need to sell some of their prized assets to stem their financial tide.
Gray was signed from Bayer Leverkusen for just £1.7m in 2021. However, things haven’t quite turned out well during his two years at the club with Everton avoiding relegation in consecutive seasons and his lack of starts under Sean Dyche.
It looked pretty clear what Dyche thought of the new Jamaican international leaving him on the bench on several occasions last term when Everton were in desperate need of attacking inspiration.
With Crystal Palace now set to offer him a more influential and significant role next term following the free transfer exit of Zaha, it seems his departure from Goodison Park could be just days away as Gray still has much to prove in the Premier League.
Should he change his mind on that front, a huge financial opportunity could be handed to him in Saudi Arabia, but what is now guaranteed for Gray is that he will be wearing a different shirt next season.
In other Everton news, Bill Kenwright had written a new resignation letter for the club before a new twist