Fabrizio Romano predicts Everton to complete Willy Gnonto transfer amid latest Leeds United developments
Fabrizio Romano expects wantaway Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto to get his wish by joining Everton before the transfer window closes.
Everton have had four bids rejected for the Italy international, the latest in the region of £25million with add-ons included [Sky Sports].
Transfer expert Romano claims the Toffees remain in the hunt to sign Gnonto, who has made himself unavailable for Leeds’ past two matches.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT on Thursday [17 August]: “Gnonto remains a target, for sure. The player is desperate for the move and, in one sense, fighting to join the club because he really appreciates the possibility.
“He knows that Everton are pushing to sign him, and he’s pushing on his side with Leeds. But Leeds are not moving from their position and they don’t want to sell the player.
“It’s a tense, complicated situation now. But I think there is still a chance to see Gnonto joining Everton this summer because the player really wants to make this move happen.”
Messy
Leeds opened disciplinary proceedings against Gnonto after he refused to play against Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City.
Daniel Farke confirmed earlier this week that the 19-year-old is training away from the rest of the group, as are Luis Sinisterra and Helder Costa.
The Championship side stated last week that the teenage attacker is not for sale and they have so far stayed true to their word.
However, it has made for a messy situation – or “tense, complicated” as Romano put it – and United may just cash in as we approach deadline day.
Everton are clearly desperate to land the Italian in their pursuit of at least one more attacker, but it remains to be seen how high they are willing to go with their next bid – if one does indeed arrive.
Sean Dyche could do with bolstering his attack sooner rather than later, with important Premier League games against Aston Villa and Wolves to come prior to the 11pm deadline on 1 September.
As is so often the case with transfers of this type, remaining patient is likely going to be the key for the Merseyside outfit.
However, there comes a point when Everton will have to decide whether they have any serious chance of signing Gnonto, otherwise they will have no time to pursue other options.
That would be the worst-case scenario for Dyche, who knows more than anyone just how badly his side need goals.
In other Everton news, Dyche’s side have reportedly already tabled an offer for another centre-forward.