Demarai Gray exit now nailed on at Everton amid talks to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana
An exit looks to be on the cards for Demarai Gray as Everton chase Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana to replace him.
The Daily Mail reported on 2 August that the Toffees have registered an interest in the Ghanian international after it has emerged Sean Dyche is willing to allow Demarai Gray to leave the club.
The Blues were chasing a deal to land the 21-year-old from Ligue 1 side Rennes in January, but he ended up signing for the Saints for £22million instead.
It’s no surprise to see Everton credited with an interest in signing Sulemana after seeing their latest bid rejected for Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto, who they have been trying to strike a deal for throughout much of the summer.
The club’s £15million bid was knocked back by Leeds on 2 August and it appears as though Dyche is keen to further strengthen his options out wide.
It has been reported by TEAMtalk that the Italy international would rather stay at Elland Road this summer than make the move to Merseyside, striking a real blow to the manager’s transfer plans.
That has likely led to the club going back to the drawing board to see which other targets they can try and bring to Goodison Park before the start of the new Premier League season kicks off.
But there are question marks over whether Sulemana would be the right man for the Blues to splash the cash on after he struggled to make an impact at St Mary’s following his arrival from Rennes.
The winger scored just two goals in 18 appearances – both of which came on the final day of the season – and he only managed to add one assist.
That isn’t the best record after signing for £22million and there has to be questions raised as to whether he is a better option that Demarai Gray, who he is likely to be replacing at the club.
The Ghanian is, of course, still very young and has time on his side to improve in a better team, but Everton don’t really have time on their hands as the squad needs strengthening.
Following the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma, there is less need for Dyche to bring in another winger given the noted financial constraints he is reported to be working under.
The best thing for the club to do right now is either keep hold of Gray or use the money a sale would generate to bring in different types of players.
In other Everton news, one Toffees forward is on the verge of leaving after a deal has been agreed with another club.