Everton have chased Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto in the summer transfer window after the Italy international refused to play for the Championship club.
Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto has been a target for Everton this summer.
Leeds United must do everything they can to keep Everton’s transfer interest in winger Wilfried Gnonto at bay, according to former Whites midfielder Michael Brown.
Despite earlier attempts by Gnonto to force a move to Everton, the 11-man Italy international has been reinstated to the first-team squad, according to Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who said Gnonto had apologized for refusing to play for the Championship earlier but warned. the 19-year-old was his last chance.
Leeds have reiterated their stance that Gnonto is not for sale this summer as they seek promotion back to the Premier League. While Brown predicts Gnonto will play a major role for the Whites, the pundit admits they face a difficult decision if a significant bid of around £30m is made before Friday’s deadline.
He is a great talent and they need to do everything they can to keep him. He is the one who creates the ball more in this league, it is different in the Premier League.
“He can be the difference. I think you have to look at his character, see how he is and if you believe he won’t just fall.
“It’s the manager, the people in and around him, his team-mates who may have to catch him. Then you have to make a decision because it’s such a big sum of money that they can’t pay it wrong considering the financial conditions they’re in now.
Everton appear to have given up hope of signing the striker, who celebrated his return to the Leeds team in their 4-3 win over Ipswich at the weekend. But the unpredictability of the last 48 hours of the transfer window means anything is possible.
Leeds manager Daniel Farke
Former Manchester United and Sheffield United striker Danny Webber agreed that Gnonto could play a big role in the Championship, but questioned whether the former Inter Milan youngster is worth the £30m asking price.
Webber said: “Yes, he should play with all his heart and play with his movement if that’s the case. “He was quite brilliant in the stages at the weekend. I think his problem is that you bring him in for such a small amount of money, £4.5m, but you want £30m from him and I don’t think he’s at that point.Although he had great moments in the Premier League.
Gnonto made 24 appearances as Leeds were relegated from the Premier League last season. He is under contract at Elland Road until 2027 after joining FC Zurich 12 months ago.
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