Everton and Fulham ‘apart’ on Demarai Gray sale after personal terms agreed – David Ornstein
Everton and Fulham are “apart” on their valuations of Demarai Gray and talks are continuing over a sale, according to David Ornstein.
Sky Sports had reported late on Monday (31 July) that the Toffees had agreed to sell the 27-year-old winger to their Premier League rivals but wouldn’t let him leave until reinforcements were brought in, although it appears there are more than a few details to tie up before a deal goes through.
Jamaica international Gray has a year left on his contract and was largely third-choice under Sean Dyche last season, and now he isn’t training after agreeing personal terms with the West Londoners amid interest from various sources.
The Athletic’s Ornstein reported via Twitter on Tuesday morning (1 August): “Everton continue talks over sale of Demarai Gray. Personal terms agreed with Fulham – clubs apart in valuation but dialogue ongoing + 27yo winger not training.
“Crystal Palace, Besiktas, Saudi Pro League also interested. Into last 12 months of EFC contract.”
The accompanying story in The Athletic reports: “Everton have already rebuffed one approach from Besiktas and it is thought Gray would prefer to remain in England.”
Way to go?
Fulham will need to come up with a decent offer since Gray could easily still be a useful contributor at Goodison Park so it needs to make financial sense to let him go.
Sean Dyche has preferred Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi in the wide positions and has brought in Arnaut Danjuma on loan, but despite the impending deal to sign Sporting youngster Youssef Chermiti there is still hardly an abundance of attacking options at Everton.
The manager wants more before the window closes and has already cashed in on Ellis Simms and Ishe Samuels-Smith this summer to boost his transfer budget, so if he can get a solid fee for a player who may now be fourth choice on the wing it makes sense to let Gray get a new start.
But with good money on the table from Saudi Arabia and no shortage of competition for his signature there is no need to undersell the former Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen man.
Having got to this point it would appear that a move to Craven Cottage is still on the cards before the end of the transfer window, even if it won’t necessarily be completed before the season starts.
There is however some pressure on Everton in that time is running out for them to get new arrivals in, so if they can line one or two up they will likely then need the Gray cash to get those deals done.
Fulham will also want to get him in as quickly as possible to get up to speed, so getting a price agreed sooner rather than later would obviously be a priority for all involved.
In other Everton news, a forgotten man at Goodison is now in the frame to join the “Saudi exodus” and provide a welcome solution for Dyche.