Everton and Villa blow as Leeds star’s wage deemed affordable for the Championship

Add as preferred source on Google

The Liverpool Echo report that Leeds United are staying ‘resistant’ over the future of Willy Gnonto despite intense interest from Everton and Aston Villa – claiming that the Italian’s wages are deemed affordable in the Championship.

Sport Italia recently claimed that Leeds had accepted an £18.8m offer from Everton for Gnonto, with a deal for the winger to move to Merseyside deemed as ‘very close’. Those reports have since turned out to be wide of the mark.

But interest from Everton – and as per the Sport Italia report, Aston Villa – remains in Gnonto. It is more than likely that clubs start to pepper the Leeds offices with offers for the Italy star. He returns to Leeds training next week.

However, unlike needing to get rid of Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Rodrigo – all of whom have now gone and were on big wages, too big for the Championship – the Echo claim Gnonto’s wages are affordable in the Championship.

That leaves Leeds under no pressure to sell Gnonto, putting side the player’s stance. Of course, if Gnonto is keen to go, then Leeds will have a decision to make. But as things stand, Leeds are confident of keeping the Italian attacker.

The Echo report: “Leeds are – on the surface – resistant to a move. The cards are stacked in the club’s favour as far as decision-makers are concerned. Sources close to Leeds say he is on an affordable wage despite relegation.”

Leeds resistant over Gnonto future despite Everton and Villa interest

It is excellent news, and also a real statement of intent from Leeds. The 49ers are ready to fight for the players they believe can have a real impact in the Championship and he is certainly one of those. There might be a deal there.

It might be worth sitting down with Gnonto, and saying give us one year in the Championship to get back into the Premier League. If we fail, you can go next summer. He is still only 19, plenty of time left in his blossoming career.

What may affect Gnonto’s stance on a move away from Leeds is that Euro 2024 takes place next summer. Whether Roberto Mancini is willing to include him in his Italy squad, despite playing in the Championship. Time will tell.