Leeds United transfer news as Aston Villa talks set with Wilfried Gnonto agents
Aston Villa will need to eclipse the £20m+ bid made by Everton if they want to sign Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto this summer, according to Sport Mediaset.
According to the report from 17 July, Aston Villa are very interested in signing Gnonto this summer, and have spoken to the player’s agents, with a meeting between Villa and Leeds United’s representatives set to take place in the next few days.
However, the report also states that Villa would need to “overcome” Everton’s bid for Gnonto – worth £15.4million plus £5.1million in bonuses, which would then be followed by a payment of £8.6million paid to the player over the course of five seasons.
Contrary to this report, Phil Hay has shared via The Athletic, that sources had claimed no formal offer was made for the Italian winger, while any Everton approach for him was quickly rejected.
Leeds could keep Gnonto
If reports are true that Leeds have rejected this bid from Everton worth over £20million, they may well look to keep their star man for the upcoming Championship campaign.
While Leeds likely believe they can receive a better offer, especially in the case of Villa who have frequently linked to expensive signings this summer, they will also be thinking they could keep Gnonto this season.
Other high-profile exits from Elland Road this summer had contract clauses that facilitated their departures, while Gnonto does not, and therefore Leeds hold all the cards in this situation. It seems unlikely Gnonto will force a move through.
Interest from Premier League clubs will not have come as a surprise to either party given Gnonto’s performances last season, but if Leeds can hang on to the Italian, it gives them a great chance of getting back to the Premier League, where they can deliver what their main man is after.
In other Leeds United news, the 49ers have already lined up multiple new singings.