Leeds United transfer news: Rodrigo ‘almost certain’ to leave as Everton push while Willy Gnonto may follow to Goodison Park
Rodrigo is “almost certain to depart” from Leeds United this summer as Everton push to complete a deal ahead of interest from Saudi Arabia, according to Football Transfers.
The Toffees are also still in the hunt for both Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison, and after “ongoing talks” between the two clubs were previously reported by the same outlet on 18 June their latest update reports that the Italian teenager’s representatives have now been in touch with Everton as well.
The Merseysiders are said to need their ownership situation resolved before they can make any “major” signings but all three Whites players are Sean Dyche targets.
Despite Middle Eastern clubs being able to offer “a more lucrative contract” to Rodrigo Everton reportedly remain “hopeful” of pulling off the signing of the 32-year-old.
And amid extensive interest in his teenaged Leeds United teammate the avenues of communication on a Gnonto deal appear to now be set up on both the club’s and the player’s levels.
Double or triple departure
Clearly Everton have spotted an opportunity at Elland Road and are pushing to take advantage, so it would be no surprise to see at least one player leave the club for Merseyside.
Dyche’s attacking options at Goodison Park are pretty sparse and, barring the mythical central striker to substitute for Patrick Bamford who has never arrived, the Whites have somewhat of an abundance.
New boss Daniel Farke is surely going to want to keep hold of some, but he might not have much of a choice with these three Toffees targets.
As a current Spain international Rodrigo isn’t going to want to drop down a division at this stage because he won’t have too many more years left until he has no choice.
The opposite is true of Gnonto, 13 years his junior, but the list of clubs linked to him is increasingly extensive, and as a full Italy international himself he isn’t really compelled to stay at Leeds if he doesn’t want to.
Harrison hasn’t won an England cap, and is thought to be open to the Everton move, but there is little chance that the club who triumphed over the Whites in the relegation battle are going to be able to afford the whole lot at once.
A year is a long time in football, and 12 months ago Harrison was seen as the star man while Rodrigo was still the club-record flop and Gnonto a relative unknown headed for the FC Zurich exit.
But Leeds now face a struggle to keep hold of any as one relegation struggler looks to pick the bones of a former rival for the drop.
In other Leeds United news, another key first-team ace has been tipped for an Aston Villa move by a delighted pundit.