Everton

Everton

Premier League • England

Everton attacker will leave ‘today’ after Sean Dyche hits back at player’s social media outburst

Exit-bound Everton winger Demarai Gray

Exit-bound Everton winger Demarai Gray

Everton winger Demarai Gray is reportedly expected to join Saudi club Al Ettifaq ‘today,’ after he lashed out at his manager Sean Dyche on social media. 

The Jamaica international has fallen down the pecking order at Goodison Park and as a result, will be allowed to leave the club in the very near future.

Gray has been expected to leave Everton for some time, but after the English transfer window closed last Friday there have been suggestions that he could stay until at least January.

This triggered an angry response from the winger, who said on Instagram: “It’s so difficult to play or someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”

Dyche has responded in a recent interview, stating that it is Everton’s decision when Gray leaves the club.

“Demarai Gray made it clear that he felt he was getting a move and that a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player…”

“We reminded him of the truth that no move is done without this club’s say-so”.

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Gray to complete Saudi switch ‘today’

According to reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, it seems Gray has finally got his wish and is on the verge of signing for El Ettifaq on a four-year deal.

“Understand Demarai Gray deal with Al Ettifaq is now advancing to final stages,” Romano wrote on Twitter

“All done on the player side and getting closer also between clubs with Everton. Gray, expected to sign four-year deal as a new Al Ettifaq player. He already gave green light last week.”

Romano added in a second report that the move should be finalised ‘today.’

“Al Ettifaq expect Demarai Gray deal to be completed today on permanent transfer, fee already discussed; it’s about final details now,” Romano added.

“Everton and Al Ettifaq will be in touch to get deal signed and sealed.”

Gray was utilised often by Frank Lampard but has seen his minutes diminish since Dyche took charge at Everton in January.

The 27-year-old made 13 Premier League appearances under the former Burnley boss last season but is yet to feature for the Toffees in a competitive match this term.

The arrivals of Jack Harrison and Arnaut Danjuma have seen him fall further down the pecking order, while Dwight McNeil has become a stalwart in Dyche’s starting XI when injury-free.

With that in mind, you can’t really blame Gray for wanting to join Al Ettifaq. Romano doesn’t state how much the Saudi club will pay for the attacker, but other reports suggest the fee will be in the region of £10m.

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