Calcio Mercato say Leeds United star Willy Gnonto was close to joining Everton on deadline day but his move to The Toffees was blocked, with only a few hours left before the window slammed shut.
Gnonto, 19, has remained at Leeds at least until the January window but injury has seen him lose his starting spot in the side – with Dan James and Cree Summerville in sparkling form out wide right now.
It comes after a tumultuous summer in which Gnonto refused to play for Leeds in three games, against Birmingham City, Shrewsbury Town and West Brom. He returned to the side with a goal against Ipswich.
It has turned out to be Gnonto’s only goal in nine games this season. The Italy star is certainly not at his best and perhaps, the summer’s incident had an effect. CM share how close he was to joining Everton.
They say that after returning to playing for Leeds, Gnonto was closing in on a move to Goodison Park on the final day of the window – reuniting with Jack Harrison. But, we blocked a move in the final hours.
Daniele Longo writes: “Gnonto is counting the days until the window reopens. His firm desire to leave was already clear last summer when his move to Everton was blocked just hours before the final bell.”
Leeds star Willy Gnonto close to joining Everton in last few hours
There were plenty of contrasting reports in the summer. Mostly, from an English angle, Gnonto was always staying put and that is what turned out to be true. But in Italy, Gnonto was close to departing.
This is another example of that. Perhaps, Gnonto was close to a move to Everton – but he never went for a medical on Merseyside. Maybe, just an agreement in talks between his camp, and Sean Dyche’s side.
Leeds blocked a move and it seems unlikely the Whites will have accepted an offer. Whether our arm can be twisted in the January window remains to be seen – especially, with Gnonto not actually starting.
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