Everton get green light for second Leeds transfer after target refuses to play
Everton remain keen to finalise a deal for Wilfried Gnonto, the Leeds United forward who has expressed his desire to leave the club.
Despite having their previous bids rejected, Everton are still hopeful of landing the talented Italian international in the final weeks of the summer transfer window. Everton's recent signing of winger Jack Harrison from Leeds on loan was not seen as an alternative move to Gnonto, as the club has always been keen on securing both players from the relegated side.
Reports suggest that Gnonto, who requested to be left out of the matchday squad for Leeds' Carabao Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town, is determined to make a move to Merseyside. The expectation is that Leeds United will eventually lower their asking price, paving the way for Gnonto's transfer to Everton, reports the Liverpool Echo.
When asked about the 19-year-old forward before Everton's defeat at home to Fulham, Toffees manager Sean Dyche said: "As you know, I don't tend to speak about other players. He's a good player, there's lots out there."
Gnonto is eager to secure regular playing time in the Premier League this season, with hopes of earning a place in Italy's squad for the upcoming European Championships in Germany next summer. Personal terms are not expected to be a hurdle in the potential switch to Goodison Park.
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Born in Verbania, Piedmont, Gnonto began his senior career with Zurich in Switzerland before joining Leeds for an undisclosed fee in last year. He made his Premier League debut against Liverpool at Anfield, coming on as a substitute for Harrison in the 72nd minute.
Gnonto scored four goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for the Whites last season. However, after starting in their first Championship game against Cardiff City, he was left out of the squad for their subsequent match against Birmingham City at the weekend having also missed the Carabao Cup clash midweek.
Wilfried Gnonto is expected to leave Leeds with Everton interested in the forward (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)Leeds manager Daniel Farke addressed the situation after the defeat away to Birmingham, with Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra also opting not to travel. He said: "It’s quite normal that transfer speculation affects other players. They are not living on the Moon and these situations don’t make life easy for the group.
"I want a group fully focused and committed. This club is bigger than any player or manager or board member. I’m not begging anyone 'Please play for us'. The club too big.
"If player doesn’t want to be with us they can train alone and use their own dressing room. I need players who are fully committed to defend the shirt."
This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up Mirror.co.uk 's editorial research. A content editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected].
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