22 August 2023 , 11:30
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Wilfried Gnonto's agent has hit out at Leeds United for 'blocking' Premier League approaches to sign the wantaway Italy winger.
Everton have had several bids for Gnonto rejected by Championship Leeds with the 19-year-old eager to return to the top flight of English football. Gnonto has made himself unavailable for selection as he looks for an exit route from Elland Road before the September 1 transfer deadline.
Gnonto handed in a transfer request before Leeds drew 1-1 against West Bromwich Albion on Friday night, and was subsequently the subject of chants from supporters during the game. Leeds supporters also unfurled a banner mocking the player, which read: "Waaaah waaaah I not wanna play in the Championship."
Leeds initially stated that Gnonto's absence was due to an internal disciplinary matter and refrained from further comment. The club have firmly stated that he is not for sale and have turned down offers in the region of £25million.
Time is running out for a resolution to the transfer saga, with Everton becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation. In a radio interview - via LeedsLive - Gnonto's agent Claudio Vigorelli accused Leeds of blocking requests from interested clubs.
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He said: “The situation is complicated. Leeds are blocking the requests we have in the Premier League.”
Vigorelli went on to rule out a return to former club Inter Milan for Gnonto, having come through the Serie A giants' youth academy.
Leeds also confirmed an investigation is underway into racist abuse directed towards Gnonto at the weekend after an account on social media directed a comment towards the teenager. The player started the Whites' Championship opener against Cardiff, but has been absent from the squad ever since.
Leeds fans' brutal flag aimed at Wilfried Gnonto (Matt West/REX/Shutterstock)Manager Daniel Farke said last week that Gnonto is currently "training separated from the group" alongside Helder Costa and Luis Sinisterra.
"I think with Willy - we've spoken about each and everything so, what I can say and I think it's also important to say this, in an open and honest way, that at the moment, Helder Costa, Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra are training separated from the group," Farke said.
"They have individual training in order to stay fit and to be prepared. They were also moved out of the dressing room, for different reasons. We spoke at length about the situation with Willy."
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