Besiktas in negotiations to sign Demarai Gray from Everton amid ‘serious’ development
Turkish side Besiktas are interested in Everton winger Demarai Gray, according to Sabah.
The Turkish newspaper reported on page 19 of their print edition (28 July) that Besiktas, who finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season, have the 27-year-old on their list as they continue to search for attacking reinforcements.
However, they face “serious” competition for the Jamicain international from a host of clubs, including Premier League sides West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Gray has one year left on his deal at Goodison Park and has so far played 75 times for Everton, scoring 12 goals and providing six assists.
Wanted
It appears as if the winger is a wanted man this summer with a host of clubs interested in his services. Besiktas might struggle to entice Gray to leave England if there are options in the Premier League for the forward, although only West Ham can match the Turkish side’s offer of European football.
Whether or not this is a serious factor in Gray’s decision, or if he is interested in leaving the Merseyside club at all, is not yet clear. However, what is clear is that Sean Dyche will not want to let him go.
Dyche is light in attack and after last season’s poor return in front of goal from the club’s forwards, he will be reluctant to let any of his creative options leave.
Only Wolves scored fewer Premier League goals than the Toffees last year and Gray, who scored four goals in the league, was one of the club’s most productive players.
In other Everton news, the transfer race involving Dyche’s men for a striker has now concluded.