Everton will have to make a huge bid if they are to land Wilfried Gnonto.
That’s according to journalist Phil Hay, who believes that Leeds United will stick to their guns and refuse to sell the winger unless they receive a reasonable offer.
Gnonto hasn’t featured for the Whites since their opening day draw with Cardiff City and is now training alone as he looks to force a move away from Elland Road.
Everton have long been linked with the 19-year-old as they look to reunite him with Jack Harrison on Merseyside, however they are currently ‘considerably’ far from Leeds’ valuation.
Sean Dyche’s said have already snapped up Harrison on loan with an option-to-buy and are desperate to bring in Gnonto to join him, with the former potentially sidelined until October.
Hay has reported that the Toffees have so far bid £18m for Gnonto, though they will have to dramatically increase their offer if they are to sign the Italian this summer.
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Leeds United could look to reintegrate Gnonto into their team if they can keep him, though the forward is keen to move back to the top flight to improve his chances of making Italy’s Euro squad next year.
Leeds United will not budge on their valuation if Wilfried Gnonto
Speaking on The Blue Room podcast, Hay said: “Everton’s valuation has been just below £20m, something like £18m, and it’s considerably less than what Leeds would want.
“While they say he won’t be sold, it’s the usual situation of every player having their price. But Gnonto’s price will have to be really high for them to sell him. Their optics would look really bad for them if he goes for a low fee, I think it needs to be a fee that everyone including the fanbase can say well that makes total sense.
“Minus anybody meeting the valuation, it’s a bit of a stand-off and it’s really difficult to see how this is going to work itself out. Common sense tells you that players usually get what they want, but I do actually think that if the valuation doesn’t go high enough then the club’s ownership could keep him and show they are not going to be dictated by a 19-year-old.
“My understanding is that in Gnonto’s head, he feels that if he’s going to make the Euros with Italy next summer then he needs to be playing top-level football and the Championship isn’t going to do that.”