Ben Jacobs: Daniel Farke to have say on Wilfried Gnonto exit decision at Elland Road amid Everton talk
Daniel Farke will have a say in whether Wilfried Gnonto leaves Leeds United in the January transfer window, according to Ben Jacobs.
The journalist shared the update on the 20-year-old via GiveMeSport [7 January] amid ongoing links with a move to Premier League side Everton.
Gnonto was the subject of three failed bids from Everton in the summer [BBC Sport], with each falling below Leeds’ £30million asking price.
Jacobs said: “I don’t think that Daniel Farke could necessarily block anything because it’s obviously up to the Leeds hierarchy. But Farke will have a say.
“My information is still the same in that – after the whole saga with Everton and even though that interest may not have gone away – Leeds are very intent on keeping Gnonto this window.
“Given Everton’s 10-point deduction, subject to an appeal, a move might be quite risky if it became feasible. You get to the point where Gnonto would have to question who is more likely to be in the Premier League next season – Leeds or Everton.
“It is probably still Everton because they’re not in the relegation zone and they might get their 10 points back, but you just don’t know.”
Djed Spence has already departed Elland Road this month after Leeds opted to cut short his season-long loan spell from Tottenham.
Two goal contributions
Leeds did well to stand their ground in the summer and reject each of Everton’s offers. They had a price in mind for Gnonto and that valuation was not met.
However, the situation may have since changed somewhat at Elland Road as Gnonto has not exactly been a key man for Farke in the first half of the campaign.
The Italy international has started just seven of the Whites’ 26 Championship matches, scoring once and assisting another.
Those two direct goal contributions are some way below the 18 team-mate Crysencio Summerville has managed – 12 goals of his own and six assists.
Gnonto continues to be linked with a move away, with teams abroad also supposedly showing an interest, and it may take a fee lower than what was set in the summer to sign him.
All that said, Farke will no doubt be quick to tell the board that if Gnonto does get the green light to leave, a replacement will need to be signed if United are to maintain their promotion push.
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on what Tottenham plan to do with Djed Spence following his Elland Road exit.