AS Roma have joined the race to sign Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto.
That is according to La Roma, who report contacts have taken place in the last few hours between Gnonto’s representatives and director Tiago Pinto.
Pinto is said to have started discussions with Gnonto’s agent to ‘understand the feasibility of the operation’, which at this stage is described as difficult.
Roma would be keen on signing the Italy international on an initial loan deal with an option-to-buy in 12 months’ time, given their financial issues this summer.
Jose Mourinho’s side have already signed two Leeds players on loan so far during the window, with Diego Llorente and Rasmus Kristensen having made the switch to the Italian capital.
Roma join race for Leeds winger Gnonto
Gnonto is determined to leave Leeds this summer following the club’s relegation in May, but new owners San Francisco 49ers Enterprises have remained firm in their stance he is not for sale.
As per Sky Sports, Everton have already seen four offers knocked back by the Whites, the latest of which totalled £25 million.
With those sort of numbers on the table, it will be almost impossible for Roma to be able to sign Gnonto permanently, which is why a loan deal has been discussed.
Given the way Gnonto has gone about attempting to get a move, a loan would be the worst possible deal for Leeds.
The prospect of him returning to Leeds in 12 months’ time after refusing to play is not something supporters would take kindly to, and so the only solutions that should cross their mind is either a permanent exit with a substantial fee, or keeping him at Elland Road.
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