Everton forward Demarai Gray has now posted a cryptic Instagram story hinting that he could be about to complete a summer move.
The £1.7m attacker has been heavily linked with leaving Goodison Park this summer, with Crystal Palace and Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al-Hilal both reportedly interested.
Indeed, it was suggested that Palace could see Gray as a replacement for Wilfred Zaha, who has now completed a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
However, Roy Hodgson’s side are unlikely to be able to compete with the financial clout of Al-Hilal, and Gray could be the latest Premier League player to make the move.
The 27-year-old has today posted a story to his Instagram account showing two suitcases packed, indicating that the Everton forward could be on the move.
Of course, it is easy to read too much into a cryptic post on social media, but with how strongly the Jamaican international has been linked with a move elsewhere, his departure now seems plausible.
Gray leaving Everton means now more than ever that attacking reinforcements must be a priority
Given the fact that Everton have now recruited Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal on loan, as well as free agent Ashley Young, who played in an advanced role during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Wigan Athletic, Sean Dyche may now be prepared to let Gray go.
Everton are also reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Almeria forward El Bilal Toure, and perhaps Gray’s cryptic post indicates that the Blues could be about to agree a deal for the Malian attacker.
Gray often had to be deployed as a makeshift striker last season as Everton’s threadbare attacking options left the Blues short upfront.
However, despite Everton’s limited options, Gray was left on the bench five times by Sean Dyche last season, despite being a regular starter under previous manager Frank Lampard.
Indeed, Dyche doesn’t seem to fancy him, so a departure seems likely, we just have to hope that the Everton boss receives the cash to reinvest.