Demarai Gray close to £10m exit to Al-Ettifaq

Everton rebel Demarai Gray is on the cusp of securing his long-anticipated departure from Goodison Park, with Al=Ettifaq poised to welcome him into the fold.

Sky Sports has revealed that a deal worth £10 million is in the works, with Everton now ready to cut the wantaway Jamaican forward loose this summer.

The Toffees will also retain a significant sell-on clause as talks for Gray to join Steven Gerrard in the Saudi Pro League club reaches an advanced stage.

The 27-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer, but Everton were reluctant to sanction his exit with the club thin on attacking options.

However, he was always open about his desire to leave the club after slamming Toffees manager Sean Dyche for not respecting him as a player although praised the fans for their support over the years.

Gray had told the Everton boss last week that he had agreed a move, but Dyche sought to set the record straight, stating that the club has to agree the deal first before any player can be allowed to leave.

“It’s an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house,” Dyche said in response to Gray calling him out in public. 

“I think on this occasion, it’s right to reply. Demarai [Gray] made it clear that he felt he was getting a move, and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.

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“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club’s say so. I think it’s right to let our fans know that’s the truth.”

Gray had agreed personal terms with Al-Shabab earlier this summer, but the move required green light from Everton, which never came as the club decided to sign a replacement first.

While that transfer failed to materialise before the Premier League transfer window closed, Gray could yet get his desired exit with Al-Ettifaq pushing to get a deal over the line before tomorrow’s deadline.