Wilfried Gnonto may have reportedly told Leeds United he wants to join Everton, but a deal could well be off before it’s even started.
This was the saga that no one wanted to see return this summer after all the drama that surrounded Everton’s pursuit of Gnonto 12 months ago.
The Toffees pushed and pushed to bring the 20-year-old to Merseyside but were met with a firm stance of ‘not for sale’ by the 49ers, in their first summer in charge.
Gnonto did all he could behind-the-scenes to try and force through a move, but it did little to deter Leeds as they knocked back four separate offers by Everton.
And Sean Dyche is once again back on the lookout for wingers this summer and talks have reportedly been held with Leeds over a deal for Gnonto.
Leeds receive boost in hopes of keeping Gnonto
Everton had seemingly been in a better financial position this summer having already completed three signings in Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison (loan) and Tim Iroegbunam.
They also pushed hard to sign Yankuba Minteh from Newcastle United and Jaden Philogene from Hull City, though have ultimately been beaten to both of those players by other clubs.
To remain compliant with PSR, one major sale was always going to be needed and that looks set to be completed in the coming days, with Amadou Onana joining Aston Villa for £50 million.
That was expected to free up funds for that next spending spree of which Gnonto could well have been part of, but their summer may have just taken a major turn.
Everton have announced that a proposed takeover from The Friedkin Group (TFG) is now off after four weeks of exclusive talks, with David Ornstein reporting it puts them back in a ‘precarious position’.
It is said TFG have big concerns about the level of the club’s debt to 777, a private investment firm who had also been in talks over a takeover earlier this year, until it fell through.
At this stage it remains unclear how exactly this will affect Everton moving forward in the window, but the Athletic state that current majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who owns a 94 per cent stake, has been ‘unable to fund the club for over a year’.
Leeds are reportedly demanding £22 million for the sale of Gnonto and with Everton plunged right back into financial uncertainty, it is difficult to see them forking out that sort of figure.
Several other clubs also want Gnonto
Unfortunately for Leeds, Everton are not the only side showing an interest in Gnonto this summer.
It has been claimed as many as 10 clubs from both England and Italy are keen on the youngster, one of which is said to be Steve Cooper’s Leicester City.
Newcastle United have also been taking a look, with the Magpies having as well been linked with Gnonto’s close friend Crysencio Summerville.
With that in mind, Leeds certainly aren’t out of the water yet when it comes to Gnonto’s future, but it could well be one club off the table.
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