A Premier League winger, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, has been slammed by his manager for refusing to train with his teammates in order to force a move to the big-money league.
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Everton attacker Demarai Gray is said to be closing in on a transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq, the team coached by ex-Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.
The 27-year-old was key for the Toffees last season, but has not featured in this campaign so farm with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming his expected switch to the Middle East is close to being completed.
Earlier this week, the ex-Leicester City starlet took to social media to slam his manager Sean Dyche, saying "it's so difficult to play for someone who doesn't show you respect as a person".
Dyche, however, has come out to tell what he calls the "truth", claiming the Jamaica international took it upon himself to tell the club that his transfer had already been arranged.
"It's an unfortunate one because I try to keep our business in-house. I think on this occasion, it's right to reply. 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," he told EvertonTV.
"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.
"We look after these players; we look at all the different ways of looking after them. Mental and wellbeing is big, the tactics and technical, the physical. We look at all of that for all these players, and we look after them.
"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."
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Gray joined Everton in 2021 and has since scored 12 goals in 75 appearances.
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