Wilfried Gnonto is desperate to leave Leeds United to ensure he is in next summer’s Italy squad for the European Championships.
That is according to Phil Hay of the Athletic, who says Gnonto is ‘under the impression’ that he needs to be playing in a top European league in order to be at the EUROs with Italy.
It is said that he feels playing Championship football at Leeds could hamper his hopes of representing his nation in less than 12 months’ time, in what would be his first major international tournament.
That said, at this stage the situation surrounding Italy’s national team is unclear, with Roberto Mancini – the man who has handed him all 11 of his caps at such a young age – has left his position.
Last season’s Serie A title winner Luciano Spalletti is the man who has replaced him, and it is uncertain whether Gnonto features in his plans with the first international break next month.
Gnonto wants Leeds exit due to international prospects
The fact there is a new man for Gnonto to impress for Italy is only likely to push him more towards the exit door at Elland Road.
Mancini was already familiar with what Gnonto could offer to his squad, but every manager is different and Spalletti will be arriving with his own ideas.
Gnonto has handed in a transfer request at Leeds in order to try and force through a move, having also refused to play in matches with Shrewsbury Town and Birmingham City.
As per Sky Sports, Everton have seen four offers rejected for the 19-year-old, the most recent of which totalled £25 million.
Given how keen Leeds are to keep him, the final 10 days of the window are certainly going to be interesting.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
