Gray wanted by Fulham and Palace

Not surprised by this and am 50/50. Always had it in him to turn something special but it didn't come out regularly enough.

Think he cost us £1.7M so was a great signing price wise and we should make a tidy profit. As always, sale will only be worth it if the proceeds are invested wisely…

If he does go, wish him well, wherever he ends up. (If it's Fulham, should insist he can't play the first game!)

One of the few players I actually think is talented in our current set up!
If he goes, we’ll regret it.

I like Gray, he has that ability to do something from nothing. But his form has been very inconsistent and Dyche has clearly decided he's not part of his plans. Also, I imagine he doesn't fancy sitting on the bench all season.

McNeil is clear first choice on the left, and if Dobbin can step up, along with Danjuma able to play there, selling Gray might provide with the necessary funds for further improvements that fit into the style Dyche wants to implement.

Two strikers, winger, and another defender at bare minimum.

Getting some funds rather than letting him walk for free in May makes sense. Iwobi is in a similar position and needs to be next if he doesn't want to sign; we need the funds to reinvest in the squad.

Whether it's good business or not depends on who we replace him with. Gray is a good player and also suffered due to not having a proper striker in the team. He would have been more effective in his best role if Dom was fit, or we had signed a replacement.

I think that Grays attitude changed when Dyche arrived. So, there was obviously a problem. Gray was at his best cutting inside, trying a shot or build up play around the area.

This scenario epitomises the current state of Everton and their affairs.

I'd rather keep him, but if he is on the way out, strengthening Palace doesn't seem like the best idea.

He doesnt improve any of our rivals. Unless you can put him in when you know he is going to have one of his good games in every 6 or 7 matches, he'd just frustrate the hell out of us.

Good profit, helps with P&S. Get it done. Good Dyche says signings first, he is learning already!!!

Wonder how much the fee is and whether we reinvest it in a ‘Premier League ready' player?

I can see why Dyche isn't a fan of Gray given his inconsistency in end product… but he's still relatively effective in a team bereft of talent

If he joins Crystal Palace, you just know that he is going to score the winner against us. For that reason alone, I would be happier if he joined the Saudi League.

His cross for that Calvert-Lewin goal against Palace was priceless, but I agree, he is very inconsistent and we need better players for that position.

Dobbin is already showing promise and if we can get one of Gnonto or Harrison, in my opinion, that would be an upgrade on Gray.

We need money to sign players and satisfy P&S Rules. Gray is a player we can turn a decent profit on and so we should do it.

He's an exciting player and gets into good positions with his pace but his final ball or shot sadly isn't good enough (not alone in that of course). He contributes way less than Iwobi in terms of goals or assists and Townsend was more impactful in that regard (real shame about his injuries).

Ultimately he's also unlikely to sign a new deal so, if we can get cash now and this move can facilitate a striker signing, we need to do it.

Wouldn't we get more money for him from a club in the Saudi league?

From what we have seen Gray is hardly a Dyche type player, but he is clearly talented and in a better more balanced team than ours he could prove to be very effective.

I think he has done okay for us and always seemed to be doing his best even when playing as an emergency centre-forward a position to which he was clearly unsuited.

So let's hope he gets a good move, which in our present circumstances would be good for both parties.

A good impact player from the bench. Wouldn't mind keeping him. But if we really need funds for the striker, then no choice. We should get at least £10M out of it. He's 27 only.

I agree, Dobbin should be given some minutes as a sub.

Maybe Palace see him as a replacement for a player we were interested in some seasons ago, Zaha.

It has been said that Gray prefers to stay in the UK but, from what I've seen, Palace are offering only half of that which the Saudis may pay.

I like that Dyche says he isn't going anywhere until he has "further attacking reinforcements" on board – rather than allowing the club to get the money in and then pontificate when we get to the end of the window a player light but money in the bank... (or down the back of the sofa to use the old cliche).

All speculation but I can also see Iwobi and maybe Onana leaving if this is the only way that Everton can begin to sign players.

Outgoing Gray reports say Crystal Palace and Fulham. Which is it to be then?

I am confused. Two destinations in the same hour. Whatever – increase the price and make a killing while you have a chance.

Second thoughts – probably not, as that would make the sale to whoever fall through. Just a thought.

I know we are down on Red Shite connections but we need to sign that Rossiter kid. He was banned from wearing an Everton shirt in their workout room. Get him in.

I didn't know Rossiter was a blue, Dale, but his career has never really got going because of constant injuries, and he's now playing in League One for Joey Barton's Bristol Rovers.

Tony ;), just having some fun as you know.

I know, Dale, but I was just telling you what level the kid is currently playing at. I personally think that your suggestion with regards trying to take players from Liverpool actually makes a lot of sense (honestly) imo, mate.

Liverpool are ultra professional, and although we might fucking hate them, we should definitely be aware of this when considering how unprofessional Everton have gradually become. (This is just my opinion, but it really hurts me.)

Tony A,

If you are proven to be correct with regards to the need for additional exits before additions can be made, it should be interesting to see how that is spun by the powers that be.

In the transfer market we are deemed to be a small club.

Okay Tony, I would back that idea as long as we lost the ‘oh damn we are doing this now' attitude. Players have to pursue their dream and sometimes good people get recruited to bad (okay, okay) places.

We are definitely in a place where we cannot afford to look away from a promising talent, wherever they come from. I would argue tat findingh one that works out would be a story that would be difficult to interpret negatively.

Ammending that to restrict it to youth that did not break through. Signing a shiter that played first team for them kind of spoils it for me.

Just turn us into a decent club where a player is going to go and improve, and it won't be long before we can change the narrative back to one of positivity, Dale.

The powers that be have lost their tongues, Christopher, and probably because they have no good stories left to tell us, mate!

9 goals in 55 starts for us is not bad but only 5 assists is not good for a winger and he does not offer much defensively.

On it Tony. That’s what I do for an actual living.

If you look back at the crucial goals in the last two seasons, he was involved in them.

If he's asked to leave or if Dyche feels like he doesn't fit in with what he wants us to play, okay… but if not, it seems wrong to sell him.

I think we will regret it.

In the Premier League, a strong correlation exists between goals scored and points accrued. While not every goal guarantees a point, certain outlier teams may score more goals than they accumulate points, and vice versa.

Nevertheless, considering the league as a whole over several years, the prevailing trend indicates that, on average, a goal is worth approximately one point.

So where are our goals and points coming from? We need to be scoring approx 50 goals to ensure we are well away from a relegation fight.

So you coach, Dale? The older I get, the more I realize that talent will only really improve if you are surrounded by positive people who make you both understand and see the value in hard work.

Everyone likes to think they work hard, but how many truly dedicate their life to their profession? Don't start me, Dale, I've got my boring serious head on!

Not at all Tony, in fact you are giving me an opportunity to confess my sins against the TW community. Since you are one of Thee Respected Elders around here I offer an apology for my recent behavior.

No I didn’t run out of weed. I ran out of patience. I know it is not for me to say when enough is enough, I only get to say my piece. While I love this community I must say that recent back and forth over illogical topics has tested me. I decided to go smartass so I wouldn’t say anything over the line but I’m sure that routine tested others. I apologize for doing that.

I pledge to not post under the pseudonym Snydan Petti. I also commit to pursuing discussions on their face and to trying very hard not to ascribe motive. Just going to get on with it if you all can also let it go.

And anyone who suggests ten ‘Hail Bill’s to get right will be jeopardizing my confession offer.

Dale, your emotional journey is inspiring.

Tony, did Rob Halligan give you my email address?

Mike not yet. I will pass it onto him now.

Done!

I think Gray is one of the only talented players we have. I would prefer he stay but, as pointed out to me before, he is in the last year of his contract so we need to recoup some money.

For me, we can only let him go if we get a replacement. The squad is already threadbare and so I would prefer Tete over Gnonto but either will do. If we can convince either of these to sign, then reluctantly I would let Gray go.

Also, I see no harm in bringing Barkley back as I believe he still has it in him with the right coaching. He would cost us little in comparison to some other midfield playmakers. Come on, Everton, get it done and quick!

Thanks Mike, you have always been a standup TW poster so I would also take the tap on the shoulder from you. Let me know if you sense trouble anytime.

I’ve just been reading a cracker Dale, about the misconduct hearing where it’s been alleged that the Met Police Officer who wrote the drug strategy, was never sober!

Mike, I’ve spoke to Rob, but because I’m not very computer literate, hopefully he’s already given you the good news, mate👍

Tony, I take it that he doesn’t get a field research exception.

He was apparently very good at his job Dale, no doubt aided by having a couple of spliffs, before he left for work every morning.

Well Tony, there is that well known psychological study that showed unmistakable similarities in the cognitive behavior of cops and criminals. Too dim today for punchline but there is a good one in there.

And hey, I know we get enough random rumors but SSN reports that Leicester got Mavdidi (LC official site) so they will be letting Vardy and/or Iheanacho go probably. They are mentioning 10-15m.

Question for those who follow the transfer market closely:

With Gray and Iwobi being in their last year under contract, what price could we realistically expect to get for them?

Neil,

Gray – looks like we will do business at about £10M, a guess.

Iwobi – £10-15M because of his high wages and 1 year remaining.

It sounds like we will possibly receive around £10 million for Gray, so I would expect a similar price for Iwobi, Neil.

Any player who is prepared to leave when going into the last year of his contract deserves a little bit of respect imo, now, because there is usually a massive personal gain for players once they become a free agent nowadays.

Tony @43,

I was going to say £25M the pair, but if one of those Saudi clubs is interested, then £50M :)

I notice that a local manager was bemoaning the fact that the Saudi window remains open a full 3 weeks after ours ends - which may be a pain in the backside, should anyone of our players be on their wish list.

Sulemana from Southampton being linked with a loan;
interesting talent, lots of potential, but very raw, lots of pace.

If it were to happen, in Onana, Sulemana, Chermiti, Branthwaite, Patterson, possibly Dobbin, we would be a team where the words 'raw talent' would be commonplace.

Good to see a shift in strategy, long-awaited; however, it is risky and definitely would require balancing with some experience – which is where players like Che Adams may have a place. While not world beaters, hard workers with experience in the right age bracket that can do a reliable if not spectacular job.

Fran @46,

I fear we will lose Branthwaite to Man Utd, wasn't Ruud Van Nistlerooy involved in some capacity with PSV last season? If he recommends him to the people at United, I think we'll lose the Cumbrian.

Thanks, Tonys E & A

I thought Iwobi might be worth a bit more. It would be madness to let him walk for free next summer though – so we probably will. Probably better to cash in now if he won't extend his contract.

Full respect to Gray if he'd rather stay in England for less money than the Saudis will pay him.

The whole merry-go-round concerning players moving never ceases to bemuse me. Gray is someone we (having just avoided relegation for the second year running) deem surplus to requirements and would not be too unhappy to let go.

Fulham and Palace (currently more consistent teams than us) see him as a desirable addition? I understand that Zaha blew hot and cold but surely Gray is not a like-for-like replacement?

I get that different coaches fancy different players but it still amazes me how a new start is such a symbol of hope.

'New' is the most effective word in advertising because 'new' means 'better'… right??

Incidentally, Pickford must really like living where he is, or maybe he has a kid in a great school and doesn't want to unsettle them? I cannot believe he wouldn't want to be part of a more successful club and that there hasn't been more chatter around him moving on.

Andy #149,

I expect Pickford will put in a transfer request 10 minutes before the close of the transfer window, like Arteta did when the club needed money.

Barry, yes he was the manager at PSV last season, didn't they win the Dutch Cup?

So I suppose Van Nistelroy has given Ten Haag and Man Utd chapter and Verse on Branthwaite.

Gray is a talented footballer but, as many posters have said, he is inconsistent. He can make a great run, then try and beat another man and lose the ball, when a pass or shot would have been more effective. Needs to get his head up more!

Getting £10M for him would be good business IMHOP.

I'm rather tired of this "good business" cliche. Selling Lukaku was "good business", as was selling Gana Gueye, Richarlison etc.

The problem is, it isn't good business unless you replace them with equal or better players. Something we haven't done regularly since the early Moyes days.

Sell one of our match winners to a lower-table rival, might bite us on the arse.

What price Nathan Tella from Southampton? Had an outstanding season for Burnley last season but went back to Southampton so is still in the Championship.

Gray arrived and played out of his skin under Benitez, then the clueless Lampard came in and messed him about, and Dyche has virtually ignored him, except when he needed a fill in at centre-forward (which Demarai isn't).

It's no wonder his form has dropped, but he's always popped up with bits of magic, like the amazing goal where he slipped on the edge of the box, jumped back up and placed it, like a guided missile, into the top corner.

And even more impressive was the way he took down the long punt from Pickford, against Forest, and saved us a valuable point with a great run and shot?

I for one will be sad to see him go, and considering the amount of players we've lost since last season, if we sell him and the money just goes to bolster the chairman's position, then the club are taking another massive gamble with our future…

Just read that West Ham could now be interested in Demarai Gray.

With that £105M burning a hole in their sky rocket, Demarai's valuation has suddenly doubled!

Rob, reading that did you get a hint Antonio may make his way here?

No mention of that, Dale, but it looks like Gray has agreed personal terms with Fulham, so that rules West Ham out.

Thanks Rob, oh well, he is still for sale with Forest and Wolves interest as well.

What I would do for Fulham's team and manager. Wish we'd stuck by Carlo. Not many teams went to Burnley and won 1-5, and the Man Utd result also. He got us Richarlison as well.

Joe @ 61,

We couldn't "stick with Carlo" – he deserted us to go on to bigger things.

Unless you mean Marco?

I like Gray, loads of skill, but no consistency – the same can be said for the bulk of the squad.

If this is what it takes to improve the squad and if he gets sold for a good price and there's an attacking replacement lined up, so it is.

There's no time to dwell but all the best to Demarai Gray if he leaves Everton.

UTFTs!

Yes, sorry Mick, I meant Marco Silva. It's busy at work at the moment and my brain's frazzled.

Joe, if he had been allowed to stay, we would definitely have been relegated. We were falling apart at the seams at the time and he seemed to have lost the plot.

We weren't even remotely in danger of going down when Marco Silva was in charge, we should have held our nerve and stuck with him in my opinion.

He was unlucky having Gana sold and replaced by Gbamin who was injured immediately and Zouma was never replaced adequately. We played some decent stuff under Marco, walloped Man Utd and played Liverpool off the park at Anfield missing a few sitters.

Personally, I thought he was hard done to – especially considering some of the shite we've watched since he went.

Marco Silva was the last Everton manager appointment that excited me. I was Steve Ferns's wingman on the Silva fan train!

He was badly let down by the recruitment team (though Gbamin was bad luck) and the lack of a coach who could tighten us up on set pieces. And perhaps his own tactical inflexibility.

Apparently, Brands wanted to keep him. I think he would have kept us up and I also think his stay would have probably seen a much better last few years than we've had. Though maybe the quality of top-level recruitment decisions would have done him in eventually.

After perusing Silva relentlessly, Moshiri couldn't understand why he couldn't turn us into Champions League contenders overnight.

I wonder if the penny has dropped yet?

Michael, Lyndon,

I know we all know he's on his way out, but - and I may be reading it wrong - the Transfer Rumour graphic seems to be showing Gray as an incoming prospect...??

It will be interesting to see how far Silva can take Fulham. I was unsure of him, agree, he should have been afforded more time.

I could say that about a lot of recent Everton managers.

As I keep saying, I've given up blaming managers. The issue sits higher.

Can Silva break a glass ceiling? Will he be the next Eddie Howe or Martinez, both who took relatively competitive and successful clubs to relegation?

Is Eddie Howe the next Mike Walker or Graham Potter? Or will he succeed?

Does well at a reasonably well-run provincial club only to fail on the big stage?

Who knows. Howe has the finances. But so did we, although we spent it recklessly.

Thanks, Kim @69,

I have fixed the graphic inconsistency for both Gray and Holgate.

Personally, my hope is that they both do indeed exit. I find Gray is hugely frustrating to watch and Holgate seems to have very few fans.

I remember that Burnley win came a couple of days after Spurs had totally destroyed us at Goodison Pk, Joe.

I liked Silva, but he had to go imo, simply because his head had gone and he couldn’t get his team to defend properly. I remember watching Everton lose at Bournemouth, very early in his final season, and a simple straight ball hit over our very flat defence, ended up with the ball in the back of our net.

Silva shook his head and sat down dejected, with a look on his face that said, what the fuck have you left me with, and at the same time, a Liverpudlian who was watching the game with us turned around and said, that Michael Keane is gonna cost Everton some goals this season.

Marcel Brands wanted Silva to stay because he must have known he had badly let him down, imo, and the same Marcel Brands, ended up getting a seat on the board! Unbelievable Jeff.

All this transfer business, or lack of it…

I was on holiday during the week and I was in a cafe in Bakewell with my wife when a fella came in wearing a sweater with a slogan on it.

I said to him, “I like your sweater, mate, can you get them in Blue?”

he said, “I suppose so, why do you want a Blue one?"

I said “I support Everton.” He burst out laughin'.

The slogan on his sweater read. “I'm sick of it” – Reminded me of this bleedin' transfer window!!

Ha, Michael – I didn't notice Holgate in the Graphic, probably because he was in the cool blue section.

With the exception of Maupay (and I really have tried), I like to see the best of whomever we've got and I think they could both do better than we expect with different clubs.

I like Fulham – them and Palace are my favourite London clubs – and it will be interesting to see what sort of tune Silva gets out of Gray, assuming that move comes off.

I wish them well – but not against us, so starting the week after next.

Like many wing / forwards Gray has real talent but blows hot and cold.

Those who would be happy to see him go, seem to assume the replacement will be better. I think that's far from a given - at least in terms of the output next season.

You can spend a lot of money on a player like Gray, and see very little return - Pepe, Sancho, Pulisic etc have all blown similarly hot or cold over a similar period despite being showpiece signings. It's not yet clear what the likes of Mudryk and Madueke will deliver either, despite the obvious talent.

It looks like Gnonto is our first choice replacement if we can agree a fee (although he seems lukewarm about joining). He's only 19 though and despite his obvious talent is also going to blow hot and cold for a few seasons before it's clear whether he's reached full potential or not.

I reckon we should target that Somerville rather than Gnonto.

A hard-working natural right-sided attacker is needed.

Looks to me like he will complete his move to Fulham at about 17:30 on Saturday night. The board know there would be uproar of he scores against us!

I don't rate Gray at all but Robert, you have a point, mate; however, I am hoping that Danjuma is a massive upgrade on Gray. We still need a centre-forward and a right-sided player.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1687229120151699456
No wonder we are where we are. Kindergarten stuff! Players refusing to train! So many bad characters over the last years, Gordon, now gray...I miss the Carsley, Hibbert, Baines type of characters...

Iakovos @79
Where does it indicate that Gray refused to train, perhaps, Dyche doesn't want the player to be involved due to a variety of reasons.

Everton stick to guns to block Demarai Gray transfer, 'decent' Fulham fee wanted

"It's not an ideal situation for any club to possess a player that is so desperate to leave that he doesn't even want to train with the rest of the squad anymore."

I'd rather all the players that want to go, just go. Only when we get a squad that really want to, and really put their all in for the club, will we be successful, imho.

That's how we can eat at the top table again. Pure, unadulterated heart and soul for the badge, even if it meant being away from the Premier League for a few years.

I am literally hating football now, and have done for a few years, it's so corrupt, so blatantly biased, sick-making.

Everton chose me simply because at the time they really had unity it seemed, the whole squad way better than the sum of the parts. It's been 34 years for me, only about three have I not been embarrassed to say whom I try to support, let alone wear the shirt.

Please God, glance our way again, let Bill save face by becoming ambassador or something, fade gracefully into background, please get hard-nosed, blue-nosed intelligent people in to allow us to rise and be the beacon of light for the people against the darkness and utter greed and ego-filled world that's highlighted by the Premier League.

In Jesus's mighty name, Amen.

Lakovos…

I wouldn't bother with, or believe a word that Goodison News says. They cannot ever get a story straight.

Maybe you are right, Rob, I am just so frustrated with Everton nowdays...

The pain starts in less than a week and I am not ready, nor is Everton.

Gray has always given 100% and helped us through 2 relegation battles. He's been important in staying up. Yet now we're prepared to turn on him because a rubbish online story disparages him?

No wonder the country is in the state it's in: we believe small boats are the problem whilst the Government waste our money and set up conditions to privatise the NHS.

We're the same fans that loved Anthony Gordon but now hate him because he negotiated his salary once it was obvious he was being sold.

We're a funny bunch – at times we're literally the best fans in the world and can keep the team up. Yet we can so easily turn on individual players because a 2-bit rag tells us some nonsense.

To mentally equate the Demarai Gray transfer with small boats and country mess takes a next level of obsessed pleb. Bizarre.

Plenty of compelling reasons to let Gray go. He's inconsistent, not really a striker, not really a winger. 'Second top scorer' with four goals doesn't cut any ice with me. That says more about our recruitment than it does about him. We'll get half-decent money for him – the key here is how we invest it.

These dodgy clickbait websites are guessing, so don't take the bait. Having a go at the club because they haven't landed the 'targets' that these people have largely made up isn't helping anyone – least of all yourself.

I remember poor Alan Myers coming off Twitter after too many Evertonians abused him for being honest and factual. The modern demand for wanting to know everything yesterday is a malaise in all walks of life at the moment. Lazyness from people unable/unwilling to engage in any kind of critical thinking.

The elongated transfer window is a game of poker that doesn't start in earnest till the last week in August.

If I had my way, the transfer window would be for one week, between the penultimate and last weekends before the season. That would focus. and ensure things are in place before the start of the season.

Gray got 6 goals and 1 assist last season, Paul, in a squad with a chronic shortage of both. Not a huge total but important when our strikers got a combined total of 4 goals all season.

He is not a Dyche type player so he will probably be sold. But,, if I was Dyche, I wouldn't approve his sale until his replacement is signed and getting changed for training.

Steve #88, I stand corrected on the stats. Not inspiring enough for me to be wishing he'd stay.

The crucial factors are that he's one player we can get a significant fee for, the other factor is who will replace him. In this market, I suspect what we get for Gray will enable us to buy someone else. Who will be that someone else?

Steve, what is a Dyche type player?

Gary #86,

Sorry the analogy was too complicated for you.

Note to self: simplify things so that Gary can understand.

Paul @87.

A voice of sensibility and reason. I don't need to add anything. You've said it.

Ben, condescending and obsessed eh? It isn’t a clever analogy, it’s a desperate political spasm. On a football page.

Danny #92, PT is always a voice of sensibility and reason. I find it relentlessly irritating.

Just once I'd like to see the guy go off the deep end and say something totally wacky. Like the rest of us.

Raymond, good question.

What I mean by a Dyche-type player is someone athletic, tall, quick and direct in delivering the pass or cross.

That might not be how Sean Dyche would describe it though.