Everton block deadline day exit with ‘about face’ in negotiations – Completed medical and agreed move cancelled

Everton made a dramatic late turnaround regarding Demarai Gray on deadline day, blocking a loan move to Lille after it had been agreed.

That’s according to L’Equipe journalist Romain Lafont, who says the Toffees did an ‘about face’ and decided the winger would not be departing after all.

Gray had been linked with a move away from Everton throughout the summer, even admitting publically in an interview that he was assessing his options.

That came after something of a disappointing end to the season under Sean Dyche following his arrival in January, with the Jamaican international falling out of favour and replaced by Dwight McNeill.

He was subsequently linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and then France, with reports on deadline day that Lille had submitted a loan offer for him.

Indeed, according to Le Petit Lillois, the French side had identified Gray as an ideal addition and were studying the possibility of signing him late in the window.

That never happened, though, and they cite L’Equipe as reporting that Gray had in fact agreed to the move and completed a medical before the Toffees ‘abruptly withdrew’ and put an end to the negotiations.

This is backed up by their journalist Romain Lafont, who says those in charge at Goodison Park ‘made an about-face’ at the start of the evening and decided Gray would not be departing.

The reason for this sudden change of heart isn’t made clear although it probably has something to do with Everton’s failed attempts to get Wilfried Gnonto, or any other winger for that matter, before the transfer window closed.

What happens to Gray remains to be seen, with the Saudi Arabian window still open and a possibility if he is determined to leave Goodison Park.

Everton a fait volte-face en début de soirée concernant Demarai Gray, c’est pourquoi le Jamaïcain n’a pas été prêté à Lille. #LOSC

— Romain Lafont (@RomainRlafont) September 1, 2023