New twist emerges in Everton pursuit of £25m move for Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton continue to be one of the clubs looking to sign Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto this summer, but the chances of the Italian moving to Goodison Park are beginning to dwindle.

The 20-year-old wide man has long been linked with a move to Goodison Park. Indeed, refusing to play for Leeds for three matches last August and handing a transfer request in last summer, in order to do so.

But that was refused by Leeds. This summer presents a different opportunity with Leeds willing to sell if the price is right, though Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham means Leeds are not desperate to cash in.

Previous reports said Everton were confident of a £22m deal, and then that the Toffees were progressing in talks over an initially £20m deal with £5m more in add-ons to sign the Italy star in the coming weeks.

• READ MORE: Leeds’ social media activity surrounding Gnonto has been interesting

New update as Everton interest in Leeds player Gnonto remains

A new report from the Yorkshire Evening Post states that there is still a chance Gnonto moves to Everton but the reality is that Everton’s signing of Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli means the Toffees will struggle.

Sean Dyche’s side are working hard to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules and given Leeds’ price tag, and demands of a big juicy fee upfront, Everton may have to move on from their pursuit of Gnonto.

The report does say that Everton are a club that are now going to look at moves that allow them to defer payments in order to comply, which might see them make a bid for Gnonto but in long-term instalments.

Leeds’ stance on Gnonto as Everton struggle to meet demands

The Evening Post also say that Leeds have an ‘internal’ valuation of Gnonto that has not been disclosed. They will only sell the former Inter Milan and Zurich star if that price tag is met in the coming few weeks.

The chances are, Everton will make an offer but they may offer a bid that allows them to pay the tabled fee over a number of transfer windows. Leeds still owe Barcelona for the signing of left-back Junior Firpo.

It happens in most transfers. Perhaps, Leeds could request a bigger overall fee to allow Everton to pay the figure over a number of years, but realistically Leeds are likely to simply reject it unless an initial fee is big.