West Ham United are one of the Premier League sides now considering a move for Willy Gnonto following Leeds United’s relegation.
That is according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (25/6; page 75), which notes that Brighton, Everton and Crystal Palace are all in the running to sign the 19-year-old.
Despite Leeds’ dreadful season last year, it would be no surprise to see the club fielding offers for Willy Gnonto. The teenager was one of the only positives, producing a number of outstanding displays for the club.
West Ham eyeing Willy Gnonto
In fact, it became apparent towards the end of Jesse Marsch’s tenure that if you stopped Gnonto, you probably stopped Leeds. And with that, the rest of the campaign became much more challenging for the Italy international.
However, that has not stopped a queue of clubs forming. The Sunday Mirror (25/6; page 75) reports that Crystal Palace see Gnonto as a potential replacement for Wilfried Zaha, if the winger leaves in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Brighton, Everton and West Ham are also keen.
The report adds that Gnonto’s value has now risen to £30 million. So Leeds would be in line to make a huge profit if they did cash in this summer.
There are likely to be some players who decide to stay at Leeds this year. And that may perhaps include one or two surprises. Ultimately, the Whites’ stay in the second tier should be brief if they get things right this summer.
Admittedly, keeping Gnonto is going to be tough. He is not going to want to jeopardise his spot in the Italy squad. And he has already proved that he can tear top-flight defenders apart.
He is a special talent. It would be huge for Leeds if they could convince him to stay. But much will depend on what offers we receive, coupled with what Gnonto wants to do next.
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