ThewolfLeeds United have turned down a £23 million offer from Everton for Wilfried Gnonto this summer.
For the second successive summer since Leeds‘ relegation, the Toffees have made a strong play to bring Gnonto to Merseyside but have so far had no luck.
Everton saw four separate offers knocked back 12 months ago as they were unable to deter 49ers Enterprises from their stance of him not being for sale.
However, Sean Dyche has once again entered the market for two wingers this summer having already brought in Jesper Lindstrom from Napoli.
Gnonto is the man they have been keen to bring in as their second winger signing but Leeds have so far turned down their £23 million advances.
What Gnonto has done in Leeds training since £23m bid
It is well documented how Gnonto looked to force through a move away from Elland Road last summer following news of Everton’s interest.
Gnonto refused to play in three of Leeds’ matches in August, and also handed in a transfer request just hours before a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
The 20-year-old was then welcomed back into the fold by Daniel Farke following an apology, but warned he could not afford a repeat of such shenanigans.
As such, that puts Gnonto in a difficult spot this time around if his determination to play Premier League football is as strong, but according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, he is showing no signs of that being the case.
The report states Gnonto has made ‘no noises’ about wanting to leave and has trained as normal, with a start on the left-wing against Portsmouth looking highly likely on Saturday.
Gnonto saw his best friend Crysencio Summerville join West Ham over the weekend but it is said he has already formed close relationships with the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Georginio Rutter, too.
Gnonto should aim to emulate Crysencio Summerville at Leeds
Many of Gnonto’s best performances in a Leeds shirt came on the left-wing while the Whites were still in the Premier League.
However, Gnonto virtually had no opportunities to play there last season as a result of Summerville’s incredible form.
With Summerville gone, it would appear Gnonto now has the chance to make that position his own once again, having started last weekend’s friendly against Valencia there.
Gnonto should be hoping to have a Summerville-like season in the Championship and certainly has the potential to do so.
Regardless of how the season ends up, that would open the door to a number of potential opportunities for the Italian, as shown by Summerville’s move to a club that has been a regular in Europe recently.
Thewolf
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