Leeds United remain steadfast in their £25 million valuation of Wilfried Gnonto as Everton once again show interest in the Italian, according to Football Insider.
The Whites are gearing up for their second season in the Championship after losing in the play-off final against Southampton in May. Manager Daniel Farke knows that this is a make-or-break campaign for his team and they head into the season as one of the favourites to lift the title.
As with last summer, Leeds have faced uncertainty in the transfer market. They have already seen key players depart the club, with Archie Gray joining Tottenham Hotspur and Crysencio Summerville making the switch to West Ham United.
Incomings have also been at a premium though. The gaping hole left by last season’s top scorer will not be fixed by tomorrow’s season opener against Portsmouth, although they do remain in talks with Norwich City over the potential transfer of Jon Rowe.
One plus point is that they will head into the clash with the League One champions with Gnonto, who is another that has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road. The 20-year-old has been on Everton’s radar for well over a year now. His failed move to Goodison Park was one of the stories of last summer, with the winger even trying to force through the transfer.
He remained at the club to play a key role in their surge up the table during the second half of last season, but the Toffees are said to be once again expressing an interest. However, Leeds remain in the driving seat.
The big money departures of Gray and Summerville mean that they are in a comfortable financial situation. That said, every player has their price and Gnonto will stay put unless their £25 million valuation is met.
Writer’s View
Leeds fans will be glad to see the back of the transfer window. The Gnonto saga has dragged on for a year now but losing both of their first-choice wingers will be a huge blow. That said, bringing in someone of the calibre of Jon Rowe would be a step in the right direction, but they’d still need another option.
Although the price has been set, the Whites cannot afford to let this drag on until late in the window. Losing the Italian towards the end of the month would presumably leave them scrambling for a replacement, although Dan James is a player more than capable of filling the gap.
Be the first to comment