Fabrizio Romano predicts Willy Gnonto transfer amid behind-the-scenes Leeds United update
Willy Gnonto’s position at Leeds United is a “tense, complicated situation” but there is a chance he will join Everton this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist claimed that the 19-year-old is still a target for the Toffees with i News reporting (15 August) that Sean Dyche’s side is still hopeful of a deal despite having two bids rejected.
Corriere dello Sport claimed (17 August, pg 19) that Leeds awaited another bid for Gnonto after rejecting a £25million offer, showing that the Whites are not letting the Italian leave easily.
As quoted by GIVEMESPORT, Romano said: “Gnonto remains a target, for sure. The player is desperate for the move and, in one sense, fighting to join the club because he really appreciates the possibility.
“He knows that Everton are pushing to sign him, and he’s pushing on his side with Leeds. But Leeds are not moving from their position and they don’t want to sell the player.
“It’s a tense, complicated situation now. But I think there is still a chance to see Gnonto joining Everton this summer because the player really wants to make this move happen.”
“Tense”
Despite the Gnonto situation rattling on for a number of weeks with very little headway made between Everton and Leeds, Romano feels there is a chance the deal goes through.
Gnonto’s stance on the situation is crystal clear after removing himself from selection for the Whites’ upcoming fixtures and training alone. The Italian is eyeing up a move to Goodison Park but Leeds are not letting him go without a fight.
For Leeds, it’s a no-lose situation. If they sell Gnonto, it’s unlikely that it’ll be lower than their valuation but if he remains he could prove a valuable asset in the Championship. One fear that will be lingering at Elland Road is that Gnonto does stay, will he want to play or would he be as effective if he’s unsettled?
Leeds fans will only find out in time, if at all. While, as reported by the Mirror (17 August), Leeds do not consider him for sale, Gnoto “fighting” for the move suggests that in all likelihood he won’t be at Elland Road next season.
The Telegraph reported (17 August) that Leeds wants to offer Gnonto a new contract with favourable clauses and conditions and are hopeful that he can be integrated back into the first team, so it may be a while yet before this saga concludes.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have made a £15milion decision regarding a move for a Top 6 Premier League centre-back.