Phil Hay shares what he has been told about Willy Gnonto saga at Leeds United
Leeds United do not intend to back down on their high valuation of Everton target Willy Gnonto, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
Gnonto made himself unavailable for selection for Leeds’ past two games – an EFL Cup win over Shrewsbury Town and a Championship loss at Birmingham City – amid ongoing links with a Premier League return.
Everton have had two bids rejected for the Italy international [Mail Plus], who is currently training alone at Thorp Arch, and Hay has provided another update on the transfer saga.
Speaking on The Blue Room podcast on Wednesday [16 August], Hay said: “My understanding at the moment is that Gnonto is training alone and is ostracised but through his own choice.
“From what I’m told, Everton’s valuation is just below £20m – something like £18m is about the best figure that’s been suggested, which is considerably less than what Leeds want for Gnonto. While they’re saying he won’t be sold, it’s that situation of every player having their price.
“At this stage, it needs to be a fee where everyone, including the fanbase, can say that makes total sense. But minus anyone meeting the valuation or coming close, it’s a bit of a stand-off and a bit of an impasse. It’s difficult to see how this is going to work itself out in the coming weeks.
“Common sense tells you in these circumstances players often tend to get what they want, but I think if the valuation doesn’t go high enough, the club’s ownership will be minded to keep him and avoid losing him, to some extent to show they’re not going to be dictated by a 19-year-old.”
Ball in Leeds’ court
Leeds saw Jack Harrison join Everton on Monday [14 August] on an initial loan deal after the Toffees took advantage of a clause in the talented winger’s contract.
There is no such relegation clause in Gnonto’s Elland Road deal, however, which still has four years to run.
While it could rightly be argued that the Italy international’s stock is as high as it will ever be at Leeds, the Whites are not in a desperate need to sell.
A player is only worth as much as a buying club is willing to pay, and if Everton do not value Gnonto as highly as Leeds then – as Haye said – the transfer has hit an impasse.
Assuming United do not budge, and Everton do not come in with an improved offer as deadline day approaches, then the teenage forward will spend at least the next four months at Elland Road.
If that is the case, Gnonto must stop sulking, knuckle down and ensure he remains on the radar of Premier League clubs ahead of the January window when Leeds and/or Everton’s stance may have altered somewhat.
In other Leeds United news, Gnonto’s representatives are reportedly upset at the latest development behind the scenes at Elland Road.