Everton make ‘concrete’ approach for Leeds United ace Willy Gnonto
Everton are one of two clubs to have made a “concrete” approach for Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian publication names Everton and Bundesliga club Freiburg as the teams to have made contact with the Whites, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Gazzetta states the clubs have been told it will take somewhere in the region of £12.8 to £17.2million to prise Gnonto away from Elland Road.
Gnonto is also said to still be on the radar of Serie A giants Inter – where he was previously a part of the youth set up – and Juventus, although a move from either is dependent on other business being done.
The 19-year-old made 24 Premier League appearances last season, scoring twice.
A sad farewell for Willy
There is a feeling among Leeds fans that Gnonto was underused at times last term, particularly towards the end of the campaign when their season was clearly unravelling.
Gnonto himself spoke previously of the love he felt from the Elland Road faithful, and had Leeds escaped the drop he probably would not have been in a rush to leave.
As it is, Leeds will be playing Championship football next season and with interest so high in the 19-year-old, it is hard to imagine Gnonto stays put.
A return to Italy could be on the cards, but there are a lot of moving parts that need to happen at both Juve and Inter before they show how real their interest in Gnonto is this summer.
Everton probably does represent a realistic option, but again the Toffees need player sales to fund signings and they may have to convince Gnonto moves are being made to avoid him being in another relegation scrap next season.
Whatever happens, it does seem likely Leeds fans will be bidding a sad goodbye to a popular player.
In other Leeds United news, a LaLiga club are hopeful of landing Marc Roca as part of a triple transfer swoop.