Journalist shares where Wilfried Gnonto is expected to be on Monday after Everton bid for Leeds forward
Wilfried Gnonto is expected back in pre-season training with Leeds United on Monday, according to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross.
The Daily Mail reported on Sunday (July 16) that Everton have had a £15million bid rejected for the Leeds forward.
Gnonto is now expected to return to training with Leeds, whose prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises want him to remain at the club beyond the transfer window.
Posting on Facebook, Cross wrote: “Leeds United have rejected a £15m offer from Everton Football Club for Wilfried Gnonto.
“49ers Enterprises remains committed to retaining the Italian beyond September 1 if it can.
“Teenager expected back for pre-season from tomorrow.”
Tough one to get done
There is no doubt that Wilfried Gnonto fits the profile of the sort of player Everton should be looking at, both in terms of age and playing style.
Still only 19, Gnonto has plenty of time to continue his development, while he has pace and directness in the final third, something Everton were lacking woefully last season as they escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth.
But, it looks as though Leeds will not let get of Gnonto easily. He only arrived from FC Zurich last September, and Leeds will see him as a player who can really flourish in the Championship next season under new manager Daniel Farke.
Gnonto managed only two Premier League goals last season, but was handed only 14 starts and 24 appearances in the top flight and Leeds fans were clamouring to see more of him, particularly during a run in where they were fighting for their lives.
For the Toffees, it might be worth continuing to test Leeds’ resolve but there is absolutely no guarantee this one gets over the line.
In other Everton news, Neil Moxley was blown away by an ‘extraordinary’ decision made by Everton ace Dele Alli.