Willy Gnonto to Everton move still ‘one to watch’ amid ‘really busy’ Leeds United transfer verdict – Ben Jacobs
Willy Gnonto leaving Leeds United for Everton before the end of the transfer window is still “one to watch” with departures expected yet from Elland Road, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Toffees have taken a liking to a number of relegated Whites players, with the 19-year-old Italy international apparently most prominent and subject to a reported £15million bid that was quickly rejected [Daily Mail, 16 July].
Ryan Taylor of the Express subsequently reported later that night that talks were “ongoing” over a deal before it was suggested that the wide attacker was one of a host of first-team Leeds players who were “actively seeking” an exit this summer [Last Word on Sports, 18 July].
Jacobs’ latest update appears to concur as he believes there is still going to be a lot of activity around Elland Road and that could lead to the Toffees getting their man.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT on 22 July the CBS journalist said: “I expect Leeds to be really busy and I think that there’ll still be some other outgoings. I think that Gnonto to Everton is one to watch.”
Encouragement
Despite not yet having a striker wrapped up when that appears to be the greatest priority in the Everton squad it looks pretty clear that the club likes Gnonto.
Arnaut Danjuma has now arrived on loan, on top of Ashley Young who can also play winger if required, so it is perhaps surprising that the deal for the Leeds man is still in such focus.
Should a striker be brought in with Gnonto still on the cards it could turn out to be a very encouraging window after all, at a time when attacking reinforcements are vital.
That has been the case for months now, with last summer’s additions of Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil a half-success at best, and the complete failure to add anyone in January giving Sean Dyche an uphill task to scrape Premier League safety.
Danjuma struggled to make an impact at Tottenham but the Dutch international winger could be very useful at Goodison Park.
And Gnonto would be the sort of live-wire that Everton haven’t really had for a while if he arrived if he was signed in addition, but until a central forward is brought in there will be questions either way, and with doubts around the budget it remains to be seen whether it could stretch to both.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit has slammed the chairman and the owner for a “ridiculous” development that has pushed supporters to the “end of their tether”.