Leeds United make Wilfried Gnonto exit call after Georginio Rutter transfer developments
Leeds United will block a last-gasp transfer for Wilfried Gnonto after Georginio Rutter exit developments at Elland Road, according to Give Me Sport.
The outlet reported via its website on Saturday (17 August) that the Whites are ready to reject any bids that arrive for the Italian international having already also lost Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray.
Daniel Farke is understood to be fearful that any more major outgoing at Elland Road ahead of the transfer deadline could well put an end to the Whites’ promotion bid as they look to return to the Premier League.
Gnonto has been linked with a move away from Elland Road throughout the summer, with reports suggesting Leeds had already rejected a £23million offer from Everton for his services [Nancy Froston, 6 August].
Will Wilfried Gnonto exit Leeds United after Everton transfer rumours?
The playoff final defeat to Southampton may have only been a matter of months ago, but Leeds United are still truly feeling the effects of that loss as their squad has been pulled apart over the course of the summer window.
There was an expectation that one of Gray or Summerville would likely exit before the window slammed shut, but few fans could have anticipated that both players would leave and then be followed by Rutter.
The French forward is set to complete a move to the south coast with Brighton having undergone a medical with the Seagulls after they activated a £40million exit clause in his Leeds contract [Florian Plettenberg, 16 August].
While that is a massive blow for Farke’s side which could dent their hopes of promotion, it is good to hear that Gnonto is unlikely to be allowed to follow him out of the Elland Road exit in the coming weeks.
Hopefully, Leeds will stand by their word this time around. Should Gnonto now depart, it will only further reduce the supporters’ faith in the owners.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ stance on a deal for Rangers winger Rabbi Matondo has been shared this summer
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