Everton told ‘special’ target could reject move in January for one reason

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Wilfried Gnonto now looks set to reject Everton in the January transfer window.

That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has claimed that there are ‘many variables’ that could mean the winger will opt to stay at Leeds United.

After bagging six goal contributions in his first Premier League campaign, Everton went full throttle in their pursuit of Wilfried Gnonto during the summer.

The ‘special’ Italian was linked with a number of clubs throughout the window, but it was the Toffees that saw a £25 million bid turned down for his signature.

Everton looked extremely close to snapping Gnonto up on a number of occasions, especially once he had handed in a transfer request at Elland Road.

However, Gnonto eventually returned to the Whites’ side and failed to get his move back to the top flight.

Despite a rather disappointing summer transfer saga, recent reports have claimed that Sean Dyche’s side are still interested in signing the 20-year-old in January.

However, Ben Jacobs has explained why Gnonto is likely to reject the possibility of leaving Leeds before the summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said: “I think that from Gnonto’s point of view, he would be the same as well [wanting to see what the future at Leeds holds]. Leaving mid-season to a Premier League club, even though Everton, whom he was most strongly linked with, have made a very positive start to the season, you don’t know where you will be at the end of the campaign.

“You also don’t know where Leeds will be at the end of the season. Gnonto didn’t want to move to Everton because he hated it at Leeds. It was because he wanted to play in the Premier League. So, if you move mid-season, who knows whether you’ll be in the Premier League at the end of the season if you move to a top-flight club? And if you stay at Leeds, you might be in the Premier League for the following season because they might get promoted. So, there are almost too many variables, both for Leeds and Gnonto, to be making any rash decisions on his future in January.

“If it got to the end of the season, and he was playing, then there’ll be no debate that he will stay at Leeds if they get promoted. If they don’t get promoted, it’s a differen’t story.”

Everton’s long-standing interest in Gnonto should end here

While Wilfried Gnonto has only managed one goal in the Championship this season, things are looking very much on the up for Leeds United.

Despite a tough start, the Whites now find themselves in third place, eight points below the automatic spots.

The Yorkshire outfit are currently reaping the rewards of having some excellent players among their ranks, with Everton target Crysencio Summerville sitting on six goals and five assists in 14 games.

While the Toffees are gradually creeping away from the relegation zone, Gnonto will be well aware of a looming point deduction that could plunge them back into danger.

It would make no sense for the youngster to make the move in January, though the same is to be said for Everton.

Given the way Gnonto acted when he wanted to leave Leeds, would Everton really want such an attitude in their own team next summer?

If anyone should be monitored closely it is definitely Summerville, though his price tag will likely shoot up after such a stellar start to the season.