Everton transfer ‘almost done’ in past 48-hours but Demarai Gray exit ‘slowed down’ amid board changes – Fabrizio Romano
The deal for Demarai Gray to leave Everton for Al Shabab has “slowed down” thanks to board changes at the Saudi club, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter on Sunday (27 August) that a week after the two clubs agreed a deal it had almost been sealed with the Toffees winger as well in the last 48 hours, but delays at the buyer’s end have now allowed a new Saudi side to enter the reckoning.
Al Hilal were previously credited with a “good” offer for the 27-year-old, who had appeared to be set for Fulham prior to the Cottagers signing Adama Traore.
Crystal Palace, West Ham and Turkish side Besiktas have also been in the race to sign the Jamaica international this summer, with Gray not featuring at all under Sean Dyche this season.
Saga
Gray has seemed to be on the brink of an exit for weeks now but every time it looks like it is about to happen there is a new change of direction.
The writing appears to be on the wall in terms of his future at Goodison Park so it would be better done sooner rather than later to get some much-needed cash in.
Everton are no strangers to machinations at board level causing knock-on effects elsewhere but it looks like in this case it is at the other end that the latest delays are being generated.
Gray fell to third choice last season behind Alex Iwobi and Dwight McNeil, and although both are currently injured Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison have both been brought in on loan.
But the Leeds United man is also currently out as a crisis has engulfed the position amid a difficult start to the season.
Gray was thought to be on his way to Craven Cottage a month ago but his exit was blocked until replacements were brought in.
Everton have pushed hard to land Willy Gnonto from Elland Road but to no avail, and are now on the brink of spending big money on Udinese striker Beto.
So whether a further wide man is still on the cards before the deadline remains to be seen, but in the midst of the incoming business the long-mooted exit for Gray is still not quite done.
In other Everton news, a former Goodison executive “genuinely” fears “the worst” for the club if one thing happens this season.