Leeds United to demand high up-front fee for Wilfried Gnonto as Everton position emerges

Everton remain interested in Wilfried Gnonto but they are unlikely to sign the Leeds United star this summer, according to Joe Donnohue.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported on Saturday (27 July) that the Toffees are unlikely to be able to match the Whites' demands which will include paying a lot of the transfer fee up front.

Any deals which see the transfer fees paid in instalments are unlikely to be considered by the Elland Road bosses and Everton have used this sort of structure to stay clear of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

On top of that, Jasper Lindstrom seems to have been the Toffees' priority ahead of Gnonto this summer with Sean Dyche's side signing the Napoli midfielder on an initial loan with an option to buy.

So far, Leeds are yet to receive an acceptable offer for the Italian international who is set to play in the Whites' third pre-season friendly during their training camp in Germany.

Will Wilfried Gnonto exit Leeds United amid Everton transfer speculation?

Leeds United supporters will have been gutted to lose Archie Gray to Tottenham so early in the transfer window, but that deal could prove a blessing in disguise when it comes to keeping other players for the remainder of the transfer window.

Because of the teenager's move to North London, the Whites are now under no pressure to sell any of their other stars.

They can instead just wait to see if anyone is willing to match their valuation before sanctioning any exits.

As long as Gnonto is happy to stay at Elland Road this summer, this is a win-win situation for Daniel Farke's side. Either they get to keep a very exciting winger or pocket a big-money fee for his services that can be reinvested.

Hopefully, the Italian won't try and force his way out of the club as he did last year. If Farke can keep him fit, happy and firing, he could be a real difference-maker in the race for promotion, assuming no one comes in with a suitable offer for his services.

In other Leeds United news, an injury update has emerged around Patrick Bamford and Dan James during the Whites' pre-season camp

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