The Athletic’s Phil Hay claims Leeds United have taken note of Romeo Lavia’s £53m price tag that saw him join Chelsea from Southampton – in regards to the kind of figure it would take to sell Willy Gnonto.
Gnonto, 19, remains at Leeds but continues to train by himself at Thorp Arch alongside Luis Sinisterra and Helder Costa. It has seen him miss games against Shrewsbury, Birmingham and then West Brom.
Everton are showing plenty of interest in Gnonto – while there have been links with Roma and Atalanta this week. The Toffees have had a number of bids turned down for the Italian, including a £25m offer.
But Leeds are holding firm. No indication has been given to Everton as to what kind of figure would be acceptable. Leeds have looked at fellow relegated side Southampton and Lavia’s move to Chelsea.
Despite Chelsea signing Moises Caicedo, the Blues have also splashed the cash on teen ace Lavia – costing £53m. Hay says Leeds have taken note, when discussing what would tempt Leeds to sell.
Hay said: “United took note of Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton for Chelsea for an initial £53million, a year after he switched to the south coast from Manchester City,” when discussing Gnonto’s price tag.
“While Lavia started more games in the Premier League than Gnonto, he has a total of 29 top-flight appearances to Gnonto’s 25, Gnonto has the added credentials of being a full Italy international.”
Leeds take note of Lavia price tag in stance over Gnonto
In a summer where we have been forced to let a huge chunk of players go out on loan for the measly fee that is accustomed with loans – and Tyler Adams – it is nice to see us playing a bit of hard ball with Willy.
The way he has gone about things has been detestable. Not least, handing in a transfer request only a few moments before Leeds kicked off against West Brom. But, Leeds are holding firm and will keep him.
But, as stated, if an offer comes in for Gnonto that is in the same region as the one Southampton got for Lavia – then that is more than fair enough. Leeds fans would be more than happy to receive that fee.
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