Demarai Gray releases statement on Instagram as Everton block transfer to Al Ettifaq
Everton are currently blocking Demarai Gray from joining Al-Ettifaq, talkSPORT understands.
The 27-year-old, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021, is yet to make an appearance for the Toffees this season.
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Al Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, are willing to pay a fee of around £7million for Gray and believed a deal was close.
However, they were informed by Everton on Saturday night that they were reluctant to sell.
Gray took to social media to claim the Toffees are lacking respect for him, with a statement on Instagram saying: "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."
However, talkSPORT's Saudi Pro League correspondent, Ben Jacobs, says his message is not a direct reaction to Everton's decision to Al Ettifaq.
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Gray is keen on a move to the Saudi Pro League side, with a three or four-year contract being discussed.
Al Shabab had also shown an interest in the winger but due to their frustrations with Everton, they have now pulled their offer.
Al Ettifaq are now ready to switch their attentions to Wolves winger Daniel Podence, unless Everton agree to let Gray depart within the next 24 hours.
Podence has been told he can leave Molineux having just entered his fourth season at the club.
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After Everton's 2-2 draw against Sheffield United, boss Sean Dyche was asked about Gray amid his uncertain future.
";It was a bit of everything - his fitness, his fitness to play in the side, the situation around him and all of the noise.
"Hopefully, over the next couple of weeks that will become clear and he will get himself fit as a start point."
Gray has made 75 appearances for Everton across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and assisting another 6.
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