Sources: Major update on new Saudi bid for Everton star Demarai Gray
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq continue to monitor the situation of Everton star Demarai Gray after seeing a £7.5million bid rejected last week, sources have told Football Insider.
Football Insider revealed on Monday (4 September) that Steven Gerrard’s side saw the offer turned down at 6.30 pm on transfer deadline day (1 September).
Everton rebuffed the approach as they felt unable to add a replacement for Gray in time.
But it is believed the Saudi outfit have not given up hope of landing the winger ahead of the end of their transfer window on Thursday (7 September).
Al-Ettifaq’s star men include former Liverpool favourites Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Gray has hit out at Everton boss Sean Dyche on social media following the rejection of the offer.
The Jamaica international took to Instagram (as quoted the BBC, 3 September), saying: “Everton fans have always been great with me but it’s so difficult to play for someone who don’t show you respect as a person.”
Gray is yet to feature for Everton this season amid ongoing speculation over his future at Goodison Park and his number 11 shirt has been taken by new signing Jack Harrison.
The ex-Leicester star managed six goals and five assists in the 2021-22 campaign after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee of just £1.7million.
He followed that haul up with six strikes and one assist last season as Everton narrowly avoided relegation.
Everton lost the likes of Alex Iwobi, Neal Maupay and Tom Cannon on deadline day – while Ellis Simms departed earlier in the window.
The Toffees have picked up one point from four Premier League games this season and face Arsenal after the international break (17 September).
In other news, Everton ready to sign free-agent attacker.