Everton transfer news: Willy Gnonto to leave Leeds United after Toffees take ‘important steps’ for deal ahead of Aston Villa
Everton have made “important steps” to sign Willy Gnonto who “will leave” Leeds United this summer, according to Alfredo Pedulla.
The Toffees moved early to enter talks with the relegated club over a move for the Italian teenager, alongside teammates Jack Harrison and now Rodrigo.
Interest in the 19-year-old, who only arrived in England on deadline day last September, is wide, with Pedulla reporting that Aston Villa and Freiburg have now asked for information on a possible transfer in “recent days”.
However, the Italian journalist notes that Everton are ahead of the game having made key moves towards a deal as far back as three weeks ago.
Gazzetta dello Sport reported on 27 June that the youngster “dreams of returning to Italy”, with interest from the likes of Juventus and Inter.
But Pedulla claims on his website on Monday (3 July) that because of Gnonto’s high price – the journalist puts the valuation at €25million [£21.4m] – he has “little chance” of playing in Serie A, apparently leaving the Toffees out in front.
Frontrunners?
By the sounds of things Everton find themselves in the unfamiliar position of leading a race for a sought-after attacking player.
Credit should go to the club for putting in work towards such a deal weeks ahead of competitors, but just as the finances are apparently a stumbling block with regards to a return to the Italian top flight, it has to set alarm bells ringing for the Toffees too.
A cheap deal for teammate Rodrigo may be possible before Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell are able to bring in any money from the market this summer.
But barring a very charitable payment schedule being accepted by Leeds a fee of over £20m sounds like it is going to be out of reach for Everton unless there are departures to fund it pretty sharply.
If it is the case that the club have got themselves to the front of the queue for the former FC Zurich attacker then it would be extremely disappointing to be left treading water from that position and risk being overtaken.
Delays in naming a new manager at Elland Road appear to have put their transfer business on hold, but that won’t last much longer, so if there is an opportunity right now to get the deal done then Bill Kenwright is going to step up with all of the negotiating expertise he was apparently kept around for by Farhad Moshiri to try to reach and agreement with his counterparts at Elland Road.
In other Everton news, after signing one ex-Toffee who snubbed a contract offer a promoted English club is looking to buy a second Goodison player.