Willy Gnonto helps dash 49ers transfer plan Sunday, closes on Leeds United exit amid Everton and Crystal Palace interest
Willy Gnonto pushed himself closer to a Leeds United exit over the weekend after as top flight clubs queue up to sign him.
The Whites star has been named as one of the key members of the squad who the new 49ers ownership would make a big play to keep at the club for the promotion push [Yorkshire Evening Post, 14 June], alongside Tyler Adams.
But after a debut season in England where he caught the eye, interest is already building from Premier League sides.
Everton are reported to have already entered talks for the teenager and his teammate Jack Harrison [Football Transfers, 18 June], with Toffees interest backed up by Sky Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio (24 June).
And The Mirror reported on Saturday night (24 June) that Crystal Palace want the Elland Road attacker to replace star man and namesake Wilfried Zaha, with Brighton and West Ham also sniffing around.
While most transfer targets are now safely on their holidays Gnonto has been called up to the Italian under-21s side for the first time, as part of the squad for the European Championships.
If the Leeds United hierarchy were hoping the deadline day signing from FC Zurich last summer would have a quiet tournament and dampen interest from potential suitors he did the exact opposite in his first start at that level on Sunday (25 June).
Gnonto, who has 10 full international caps, “dazzled” for the young side according to the YEP’s Lee Sobot in a goalscoring display that helped secure an important 3-2 victory over Switzerland.
Italian journalist Carlo Garganese, while critical of the coaching, singled out the Whites man as one who deserved praise, calling him “great” on the night.
A strong attacking display in a win at an international tournament has increased transfer interest in lesser talents than Gnonto before, so while it is another positive outing for the Leeds wide man it is the last thing the 49ers would have wanted for someone they hope to keep around.
If offers start being tabled from multiple destinations in the top flight the chances of him being a fixture at Elland Road for more than a single season will diminish significantly.
He was a fan-favourite throughout the campaign despite being relegated to afterthought by Javi Gracia, but it is difficult for plenty of clubs around the world to resist the lure of the Premier League, and after three years of benefiting from that the shoe is now on the other foot at Elland Road.
As an established full international at an under-21s tournament Gnonto is in the shop window, and he will have only encouraged bids with his showing on Sunday.
In other Leeds United news, “white smoke” has been tipped to arrive in the middle of the week for another departure from the Elland Road first team.