Wilfried Gnonto twist as Everton accept defeat in Leeds United transfer hunt
Everton have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto, according to 90min.
The news outlet reported on its website on 14 August that the Italy international had agreed personal terms over a move to Goodison Park, but that the Whites have not allowed him to leave.
It said the Toffees turned their attentions to the 19-year-old’s Leeds teammate Jack Harrison, who has joined the club on a season-long loan deal after a clause was activated in his contract.
Limbo
The fact Everton have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign Gnonto now leaves the Leeds forward in limbo after he’s made it clear he doesn’t want to play for the club anymore.
With a move away from Elland Road now looking more unlikely to materialise, it looks as though he’s going to be backed into a corner after refusing to play in the Whites’ last two games.
The club have made it clear they don’t want to sell the Italian this summer, with the Liverpool Echo reporting on 17 July that they rejected a bid in the region of £15million for him from the Blues.
The news of Harrison moving to Merseyside has come as a blow to Leeds, but they would be delighted if they can keep hold of Gnonto once the transfer window closes in a couple of weeks.
There are big questions, however, around whether his relationship can be repaired with the managerial staff and the fans after the hurt his recent admission has caused.
In other Leeds United news, a BBC pundit has shared his verdict on Ethan Ampadu following the weekend’s defeat to Birmingham City.