Leeds United transfer news: Everton in talks to sign Willy Gnonto after Arsenal fade from race
Everton are currently in talks with Leeds United over the possible signing of Italy international Willy Gnonto, Football Transfers reports.
The deadline day signing last summer was arguably the star of the Whites season, but his future at Elland Road is in the balance after relegation, although he would be seen as a possible key man in the second tier.
A “compromise” apparently needs to be reached yet between Leeds and the Toffees on the fee amid “ongoing” negotiations over an exit to Goodison Park.
Arsenal were reportedly also looking to sign the 19-year-old but have faded from prominence in the race after turning their attentions elsewhere.
Hold firm
There are plenty of players who are going to be difficult or impossible to keep at Elland Road this summer after falling into the Championship.
But with Gnonto still a teenager and possessing the skills to be a star in the second tier there are sure to be hopes that he could be convinced to give Leeds United an extra season as they push for promotion.
Transfer links to the top sides in England and Italy have materialised but if even relegation-threatened Everton are in the race it will set alarm bells ringing among the fanbase that he is not long for West Yorkshire.
His form dropped off late in the season after he was strangely relegated to an afterthought under Javi Gracia, but at times he was the most potent attacking option in the squad.
While he was a relatively cheap arrival from FC Zurich last September his performances during the season should have seen that value shoot up.
Whether Everton can stretch to reach the price that the Whites are asking for remains to be seen, but if the club have opened the door to Sean Dyche’s side it could also encourage those for whom the fee would be no issue.
In other Leeds United news, Newcastle have been backed for a double “raid” of Elland Road for two prominent transfer targets.