Everton transfer news as Sean Dyche shares Demarai Gray exit verdict today

Everton boss Sean Dyche has provided an update on Demarai Gray's potential move to Saudi Arabia, claiming he envisages him remaining at Goodison Park "at this time", according to Joe Thomas.

The Liverpool Echo journalist shared via his personal Twitter account that he asked the Everton boss whether the Jamaican international would remain at the club, with the Saudi Arabian transfer window still open.

Dyche's response was a positive one, as the club can't afford to lose more bodies after Alex Iwobi moved to Fulham on deadline day, exposing an already short Toffees squad.

Speaking following Everton's 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on 2 September, Dyche's short and simple answer of "I do at this time" indicates the situation around Gray could still change in the next few days before the close of the transfer window in the Middle East.

Everton need to hang on

The club were desperate to sign a new winger in the transfer window, with an obvious lack of depth out wide made clear by Dyche opting to start James Garner as a right-midfielder for each of the first four games this season, despite his natural preference being to play in the middle.

Everton were chasing a deal for Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto throughout the transfer window but were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit, before losing Iwobi on the final day which only made their issues worse.

Gray remaining at Goodison Park is now a necessity rather than a desire, despite the winger looking likely to leave the club over the summer as he has not been involved with the squad for any of pre-season or the opening stages of the current season.

He could now be set to play a big role, with Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil still missing with injuries, with unclear return times, as rotation will be necessary throughout what looks like being a difficult season for the Toffees.

In other Everton news, the Liverpool Echo detailed Everton's risky deadline day.