Leeds must now fancy their chances of keeping ‘special’ player after Fabrizio Romano update – opinion

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Everton have been targeting a move for Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto throughout the summer.

However, according to Fabrizio Romano, they are now interested in a deal for Porto winger Goncalo Borges, who could be on the move as a result of interest from the Toffees and West Ham.

Borges is of a similar age profile to Gnonto and is highly rated back in his native Portugal having made 23 appearances for Porto’s first team, four of which were in the Champions League.

Everton are clearly in the market for a young new winger and Borges is the second player of this mould to have been linked with a move to Goodison Park in the last few days.

As per journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sean Dyche’s side are also in talks over a deal for PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko, with a firm approach having been expected this week.

Leeds now surely fancy chances of keeping Gnonto after Romano update

Gnonto – regarded as a ‘special player’ by Leeds coach Michael Skubala – has been priority number one for Everton across the entirety of the window but Leeds have maintained he is not for sale.

The 19-year-old has attempted to push through a move to Merseyside by refusing to play in Leeds’ last two matches, but that has not altered the Whites’ stance in any way.

As per Sky Sports, Everton have now seen four offers rejected by Leeds for Gnonto, this most recent of which was said to be around the £25 million mark.

Everton have been hamstrung financially over the course of the summer and so it remains to be seen whether they can improve on their most recent offer.

Both Borges and Bakayoko would represent cheaper alternatives to Gnonto, and if either of those do make the move to Everton, Leeds may just get their wish.