Everton are now close to signing Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto.
That is according to Sky Sports Italy, who report the deal is getting closer and closer to completion in what is another twist to this topsy, turvy saga.
Reports from Italy earlier in the week indicated Everton had an £18.8 million bid accepted by Leeds for Gnonto, though it was quickly debunked by sections of the English media.
Then, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, it was claimed that Gnonto has doubts over a move to Everton due to his reluctance of being involved in another relegation battle.
It is also unclear whether Everton can afford to meet the asking price set by Leeds this summer, who are under no pressure to sell given he has no release clause in his contract, that still has four years left to run on it.
Sky in Italy claim Gnonto to Everton is close
However, despite all these reports from England over the course of the week, Sky in Italy claimed late last night a deal is edging closer to completion.
Gnonto is due to return back for pre-season training at Leeds on Monday having been granted an extra week off due to his involvement with both Italy’s senior side, and U21s this summer.
A good indication on how close the deal may be is whether he does indeed report back to Thorp Arch, particularly given Brenden Aaronson, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente were all told to stay away due to impending transfers.
San Francisco 49ers Enterprises have maintained throughout the summer Gnonto is a player they want to keep in the Championship.
That said, the Italian press are continuing to bang the drum of Gnonto being close to Everton, leaving it impossible to know what is really going on.
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