Everton have failed with an opening bid worth around £15million for Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.
Leeds United have rejected a £15million offer from Everton for young attacker Wilfried Gnonto.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Everton have made their first move for Gnonto.
However, an offer of £15million has been swiftly rejected with Leeds making it clear that they don’t want to sell.
Everton must now decide whether or not to go back in with another move for Gnonto, who cost Leeds just £4million last summer.
The Whites have been offered a quick profit on Gnonto but are adamant that the Italian will be staying put.
Everton need an attacking threat like Wilfried Gnonto
Everton really can’t afford to be in another relegation battle this season and a key focus should be on attacking additions.
The Toffees need to find a goalscorer to support Dominic Calvert-Lewin as well as adding some magic down the flanks.
Gnonto can be that maverick type player out wide for Everton having shown enormous potential for Leeds.
The 19-year-old bagged two goals and four assists in 24 Premier League games but provided real excitement at Elland Road.
That’s the kind of talent Everton need, both in terms of the immediate impact he can make and the potential for profit down the line.
If it’s not going to be Gnonto, then Everton need to find another speedy and tricky winger elsewhere.
Other clubs may be keen on Gnonto
Gnonto was in and out of the Leeds side as they suffered relegation to the Championship, but his potential for the future is huge.
Former Leeds stopper Paul Robinson has hailed Gnonto as a ‘special talent’ and other clubs are well aware of his ability.
Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claimed in March that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all fancy signing Gnonto.
Calciomercato added at the end of May that Arsenal have been closely following Gnonto ahead of a potential move.
SportItalia reporter Michele Criscitiello suggested just a few days ago that Aston Villa are interested in Gnonto.
That means Everton will face a real battle to sign Gnonto, especially after having a first bid rejected.
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