Everton ‘reach verbal agreement’ to sell Demarai Gray to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab with winger now set to make decision about moving to the Middle East

Everton have agreed a deal for Demarai Gray to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Shabab, accoring to reports. 

The Jamaican international has not featured in either of the Toffees’ opening two Premier League games, and Sean Dyche appears ready to let him move on to raise transfer funds. 

Fabrizio Romano reported after Everton’s 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday that a ‘verbal agreement in principle’ had been reached with Al Shabab for the transfer of Gray.

He posted on Twitter: ‘Al Shabab will now start talks on personal terms – up to Demarai’s decision’.

The Birmingham-born winger has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park for much of the summer, with both Crystal Palace and Besiktas rumoured to be interested in signing him. 

Sean Dyche is trying to raise transfer funds to improve his squad at Goodison Park

Gray made 36 appearances for Everton in all competitions last season, scoring six goals as Dyche guided the club to Premier League safety.

The 27-year-old started the crucial 1-0 win against Bournemouth on the final day of the season but has since been deemed surplus to requirements.

Having added only free signing Ashley Young, loan additions Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison and 19-year-old striker Youssef Chermiti to his squad this summer, Dyche is looking to free up funds to make further additions.

Everton have made an improved offer of £15million for Southampton forward Che Adams having seen a £12million bid rejected last week. 

An injury to Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the defeat at Villa Park has increased the need for a new striker at a club that scored just 34 league goals last term. 

Everton have made a bid of £15million for Southampton’s Che Adams after seeing an offer rejected last week

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was forced off with a facial injury in the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday

Dyche provided an update on Everton’s transfer business after the loss at Villa. 

He said: ‘We’ve got to look at what we’ve got and work with that.

‘I don’t think there’s a magic wand; there never was. There’s no shortcuts because they usually cost a lot of money. But we’re working hard to construct deals that affect us in a positive way.

‘We’re in for a number of situations; whether they come to fruition, I’m waiting on news.’