Everton in Fulham talks as Demarai Gray transfer preference emerges amid Crystal Palace interest – BBC Sport
Demarai Gray’s “preference” is to complete a move from Everton to Fulham amid talks between the two sides and extensive transfer interest from elsewhere, according to BBC Sport.
The broadcaster reported on their website on Tuesday (1 August) that the two Premier League clubs were in negotiations over a sale of the 27-year-old winger, while Crystal Palace, Besiktas and Saudi Pro League clubs also wanted him.
Fulham “require reinforcements” after losing Dan James and Manor Solomon from last season, and appear to be closing in on Gray as the Toffees man wants the move above the alternatives.
David Ornstein reported in The Athletic earlier on Tuesday that personal terms have been agreed for a Craven Cottage move already, although there is not yet an agreement between the clubs on price.
Everton aren’t willing to let the Jamaica international leave until new arrivals are lined up, but with a deal closing in for Youssef Chermiti the youngster has been mooted to clear the way.
London calling
Players often agree terms with multiple clubs at once and then wait to see who comes out on top when bidding at the club level.
But after Everton agreed to sell to Fulham above the others, pending the two sides settling on a fee, it looks clear that it is Marco Silva’s deal to lose.
Should it collapse one of the other options may be acceptable to Gray, who has a year left on his Goodison Park contract and may have been bumped down to fourth-choice winger after Arnaut Danjuma’s loan deal.
But as long as the Cottagers offer the Toffees are suitable amount of money the Gold Cup stand-out will likely be based in the capital sooner rather than later.
A lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, with Al Hilal thought to have offered good money, might be the preferred option from a financial point of view, but heading to the Middle East is a very difference consideration to West London so based on Gray’s plan all signs point to a Fulham transfer.
He has been a useful contributor in the past two seasons after being brought in by Rafael Benitez from Bayer Leverkusen so Evertonians will want to see more production brought in going forward before the end of the window to compensate for his exit.
In other Everton news, an alternative Toffees player is now set to possibly head to Saudi Arabia instead of Gray and help his manager out.