West Ham have reportedly emerged as contenders for the signature of Leeds United attacker Willy Gnonto, and a possible move to the Hammers for the Italy star could give us the perfect chance to strike a deal for Michail Antonio.
Gnonto, 19, made himself unavailable on Wednesday night as Leeds beat Shrewsbury Town 2-1 in the Carabao Cup. Clearly, the Italy star is keen to move. It is unclear if he will be in the squad that travels to Birmingham this weekend.
Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that West Ham are among his suitors. Everton of course, remain on pole while Fulham have taken a look at Gnonto, too. But West Ham’s interest could see Leeds kill two birds with one stone.
Football Transfers say Leeds are battling Celtic and Saudi sides for the signing of West Ham’s Antonio. A move that seems unlikely on the face of it, given Antonio earns £69,000 a week – and helped win the Conference League title.
But Antonio is in the final 12 months of his contract and if he is to remain on these shores, then he is going to have to expect a pay cut. Certainly, Leeds and Celtic cannot go to the extremes of almost £70,000 a week this summer.
West Ham want Leeds star Gnonto, perfect chance to strike Antonio deal
West Ham will be reluctant to sell too, after losing Gianluca Scamacca. But, they might be tempted if Leeds decide to offer Gnonto in a deal for Antonio. Of course, West Ham would have to pay some cash too – but it may aid a deal.
Antonio looks keen to go. Leeds will want to end the Gnonto saga, one way or another and if that means an exit, then the earlier the better. So, offloading Gnonto in a deal for Antonio kills two birds with one stone at Elland Road.
A deal would be tricky – but if West Ham want Gnonto and Leeds want Antonio, there’s a deal to be done. Antonio, plus a smaller fee, for Gnonto – suits all. No doubt, Antonio would be a stunning signing for Leeds in the second tier.
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