Leeds United are ‘hopeful’ that they can keep Willy Gnonto this summer.
That’s according to The Athletic, who have claimed the Whites are optimistic that the winger will stay rather than join Everton.
Recent reports have emerged stating that the Toffees are currently leading the race to sign Gnonto, who moved to Elland Road from Zurich for an initial £3.8 million last summer.
Leeds’ relegation to the Championship has led to Gnonto being heavily linked with a premature departure, with the likes of Aston Villa and Freiburg also interested in his signature.
Daniel Farke’s side are very keen to keep hold of the teenager in the hope that they can enjoy an immediate return to the top flight, though his agent, Claudio Vigorelli, has already told Calciomercato that he wants to ‘continue’ in the Premier League next season.
Gnonto is rated very highly in Yorkshire, with the club’s caretaker manager Michael Skubala previously calling him a ‘special player’ and a ‘credit to Leeds’ prior to Javi Gracia’s arrival.
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It seems unlikely that Willy Gnonto will stay at Leeds United
Calciomercato have already reported that Willy Gnonto could make his decision in the coming days, with a move away from Elland Road looking increasingly likely.
Leeds United are clearly eager to keep hold of their prized asset but the Italian may not see himself spending a year in the Championship – especially when he has such desirable interest in him this summer.
Gnonto and his representatives are likely to see this as the perfect opportunity to take the next step in his career and Everton could remain favourites to land the youngster in the coming weeks.
The report also claims that Farke’s side could be preparing to lose Jack Harrison and Rodrigo this summer, with the Merseyside club recently linked with both players.