Everton can now push ahead to secure Wilfried Gnonto transfer amid £15m Leeds response
Everton must continue their push ahead to secure the services of Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto despite Leeds United reportedly rejecting their £15m bid.
The Daily Mail reported on Sunday (July 16) that Everton have had a £15m bid rejected for the Leeds forward, however, according to journalist Ryan Taylor reporting on the same day, claims that the Toffees’ ambitious move for Gnonto still remains.
The Toffees have identified the Italy international as a target for the summer window following Leeds’ relegation to the Championship, with several reports emerging over the past month that the Merseysiders were in talks over a move for the Italian.
Reporting via Twitter the Express journalist Taylor wrote in his transfer update on another Elland Road departure for midfielder Marc Roca: “Talks also ongoing between Everton & Leeds for Wilfried Gnonto.”
Italian Sportitalia journalist, Michele Criscitiello, taking to his personal Twitter account (10 July) reported that Everton are closing in on their top target this summer, which was also relayed by Sky Italia late on Friday night (14 July, 11:59 pm).
It’s now abundantly clear that Gnonto has emerged as a top target for Sean Dyche and Everton this summer, and news recently reported about a £15m bid being rejected certainly shows a sign of their intentions, despite their ongoing financial difficulty.
It finally seems as if Everton are starting to make long-awaited moves in the transfer market to address their dire attacking situation and signing a player of Gnonto’s ilk as a first seal is simply excellent business and for that reason, the Toffees mustn’t give up on acquiring the Italian hotshot.
Gnonto certainly represents a game-changing addition to Dyche’s ranks and points to a significant change in terms of recruitment from the club and his amazing talents and potential makes Leeds United’s £15m-plus valuation totally understandable.
The 19-year-old has indeed enjoyed a stellar first season in England, contributing four goals and four assists in 23 appearances in all competitions but more crucially possesses amazing trickery, 1v1 dribbling, pace and technical skill to unlock even the best defences in the Premier League.
Gnoto won’t be the only signing at Goodison Park so far, with the Toffees incredibly close to sealing a move for former Aston Villa and Manchester United veteran Ashley Young who will add valuable experience, character and a winning mentality to a squad in desperate need of direction and guidance next season.
The Toffees can certainly wow fans with these two new signings and it is abundantly clear that the club must move forward with the Gnonto deal despite the unwanted Leeds response.
Also, the youngster’s desire to play Premier League football next season coupled with the Blues being the only ones actively pursuing his services, makes this potentially exciting partnership all the more likely. Everton will regret it if they miss out on this transfer.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit has doubts over the transfer strategy at Goodison Park as two more high-quality attackers are chased.