Everton edge closer to signing Willy Gnonto as Leeds United star makes Italy transfer decision
Everton are edging closer to the summer signature of Leeds United attacker Willy Gnonto, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported in their print edition on Sunday (16 July) that a move to the Toffees for the 19-year-old appears ever closer.
The publication added that the teenager, who scored four goals for Leeds last season, has snubbed a transfer to Italy.
“Wilfried Gnonto instead considered it very difficult to leave Leeds to return to Italy,” according to Corriere dello Sport (page 16, 16 July).
“And here, after the acceleration of the last few days, the move to Everton appears ever closer.”
Top signing
Leeds ace Gnonto may have taken his foot off the gas in the latter stages of the most recent Premier League campaign, but there is no denying his ability and indeed his potential to grow in the coming seasons.
He arrived at Elland Road from FC Zurich last summer with a bang, with his pace, trickery and direct running scaring some of the most established defenders in English football.
But those performances declined as the months went on, although the youngster was prevented from shining on the pitch more often than not due to being left on the bench for many games.
That reason alone should be enough for the teenager to force a move away from Elland Road and find a club that will allow him to progress, and Everton might just be that club.
The Toffees could certainly do with a player of his talent as they look to avoid a third successive Premier League relegation battle.
In other Everton news, Patrice Evra has sent a two-word message to one player after the latest Toffees transfer development.