Demarai Gray heaped doubt on whether interest from Saudi Arabia could tempt him by stating he remains ambitious to play at the highest levels. Speaking to the Football Daily, Gray was clear that his thoughts were firmly concentrated on Everton. He will soon link back up with the squad after a busy summer that saw him lead Jamaica to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup. He was named in the team of the tournament after a series of impressive displays before defeat to eventual winners Mexico. Of his current mindset, and the claims of interest in his services,
Demarai Gray said: “There is always going to be talk in the transfer window, especially for wingers and attacking players. I think they are always in demand. I am an Everton player and off the back of the last two seasons it has been difficult. I have got a little more time off now but I look forward to getting back and as a club we are trying to make sure we are not back in the situations we have been in for the last two years and my head is fully focused on doing that and contributing to the team as well as I can.”
Should Danjuma’s season long loan from Villarreal overcome the final hurdles the Dutch winger will join an attack that includes Gray, Dwight McNeil, Alex Iwobi, Neal Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The ECHO understands Everton are also interested in Ajax striker Brian Brobbey. Anthony Elanga and Wilfried Gnonto have been further targets.
Demarai Gray said: “I am ambitious and quite experienced, I have been in the game for a long time and broke through early. I think when you break through at a young age you mature quicker and growing up as well you get a lot of hype around your name and where people expect you to be but everybody’s journey is different. I am just focused on having a good season next year and I still believe in my career I can reach big heights. Obviously it is a dream for me and any player to play Champions League football and play at the top levels. Having committed to Jamaica as well, long term, I look forward to reaching a World Cup and they are my long term goals. I don’t like to think too much ahead in my future, I just like to focus on the now because that is all I can control. But I am very confident in my ability and I believe I can reach the top heights.”