Everton star Demarai Gray set to complete £10million move to link up with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq
09/06/2023 07:14 AM
Demarai Gray is set to complete his move to Al Ettifaq on Wednesday, talkSPORT understands.
The Saudi Pro League side will pay around £10million for the 27-year-old after agreeing to up their initial offer of £7m.
Gray, who signed for Everton from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, is yet to feature this season and is desperate to leave Goodison Park before Thursday's Saudi transfer deadline.
The former Leicester City winger recently became embroiled in a spat with boss Sean Dyche and took to social media to share details on his conflict with the 52-year-old.
He posted: “Everton fans have always been great with me but it’s so difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person.”
His comments led Dyche to hit back at the five-cap Jamaica international when speaking to the Toffees’ website.
He said: “It's an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house.
“Demarai made it clear that he felt he was getting a move [away from Everton] and he told us a move was done, which was interesting to hear from a player.
“We reminded him of the truth of the fact that no moves are done without this club's say so. That's the truth of it.”
Dyche added: “When it comes to a time like that then you go, ‘well, hang on a minute. You made it clear you didn't want to train, you didn't want to be here, and you also said there was a move that was a done deal'.
“We said it's not a done deal because this club is the most important.
“This club will make decisions on the future of you as players and not the other way around. I think it's right to let our fans know that's the truth.”
But now it appears Gray will be granted his wish of a new challenge in the Middle East alongside familiar faces Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembele and boss Steven Gerrard.
Al Ettifaq have made a promising start to the season and currently sit in fifth place, three points adrift of leaders Al Hilal.
Meanwhile Dyche may already have an eye on how he wishes to spend the money in January with Everton picking up just one point from a possible 12 on offer.
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