Everton are back in talks to sign Wilfried Gnonto.
That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Tom White, who has reported that the Toffees are eager to bring the Italian to Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.
Gnonto has been heavily linked with a move to Everton all summer following Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship.
The winger refused to play for the Whites following their opening day draw with Cardiff City, in a bid to force a move away from Elland Road.
Leeds United were adamant that they wouldn’t be selling Gnonto before today’s deadline, which resulted in the 19-year-old handing in a written transfer request in August.
However, Everton’s bids were still turned down and it eventually looked like they had ended their pursuit of Gnonto after he was brought back into the Leeds United squad. The teenager scored on his return for the Whites as they narrowly beat Ipswich Town 4-3, before featuring in their Carabao Cup defeat to Salford City midweek.
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Despite Gnonto looking set to accept a further year in Yorkshire, he may now have been handed a lifeline as Everton rekindled their interest in the youngster.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, White said: “Some news just in to us and it’s potentially good news for Everton, they are back in talks with Leeds United over the winger/striker Wilfried Gnonto. So the club haven’t given up on signing the player. Leeds have always maintained he’s not for sale but that is going to be tested right now.
“Gnonto has been reintegrated into the squad because he handed in a formal transfer request, it’s very rare that a player hands in a formal transfer request these days.
“Leeds have a fight on their hands to keep Gnonto and remember only 15 minutes ago we told you they are trying to stave off interest in Summerville as well. So two key Leeds players are wanted by two Premier League clubs.”
Can Everton land Wilfried Gnonto on deadline day?
Wilfried Gnonto is a main priority for Sean Dyche, who clearly really admires the Italy international. Fans were left frustrated when it looked like they had missed out on Gnonto, though there will be a lot of excitement around Merseyside if they can make a last-ditch attempt to sign him.
The Whites will still be eager to keep the forward unless they can earn a hefty fee on his departure, though it will be tough for Everton given that Leeds would have to replace him in the final hours of the window.