Leeds United transfer news: Update emerges on possible Willy Gnonto exit ‘demands’ amid £15m Everton bid
Willy Gnonto has not made any demands to leave Leeds United amid transfer interest from Everton and others, according to Leeds Live.
The Italian teenager had been tipped an Elland Road departure this summer amid links to top clubs in the Premier League and Serie A, but the Toffees appeared to have stolen ahead in the race.
However, the Daily Mail reported on Sunday (16 July) that the Whites have rejected a £15million bid for the 19-year-old and remain “determined” to keep him.
On top of that it has now emerged that the Italy international himself isn’t agitating for a move amid plans for him to be a leading weapon in the Championship.
Beren Cross writes for Leeds Live on Sunday: “There is a firm belief, after what he did to Premier League right-backs, Gnonto can be a consistent match-winner in the Championship.
“Gnonto is expected to report back for pre-season at Thorp Arch tomorrow, after a delayed restart following international duty, but there have been no demands for a transfer out while he’s been away.”
Encouragement
Leeds United won’t be entirely safe until the window closes but there are increasing suggestions that Gnonto will still be in West Yorkshire when that happens.
Previous reports were starting to peg his exit as a foregone conclusion, but with Daniel Farke finally in place and a host of first-team exits now confirmed there are some key names still in situ.
The likes of Gnonto, Tyler Adams and Max Wober could form a formidable spine to the team for the promotion push if they are convinced to remain, as some of the stronger performers in what turned out to be a thoroughly disappointing season in the Premier League.
Illan Meslier is still expected to leave, while wingers Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville are both liked at Goodison Park as well.
After relegation most of the Whites’ top stars would have opportunities to play in one of the big European top flights, especially when some of the weaker performers have already secured such moves.
So it is certainly a boost to Farke and the supporters that Gnonto has apparently not pushed to leave despite falling into the second tier.
There are weeks of the window left for things to change, but if the current indications mean he is committed to the new project under the German manager, and if some of the other aforementioned names might also join him, it would increase confidence that the absence from the top flight can be kept to just a single campaign.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have met a top European side’s asking price for a summer target who is set to move.