Why Everton should sign another Leeds United star instead of Wilfried Gnonto

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Everton endured one of the stranger summer transfer windows, given the hefty financial restraints placed upon them.

Kevin Thelwell has known the extent of their issues for some time now, but few outside the club would likely fathom just how much debt and loan fees the Toffees have accumulated to uphold their previously exorbitant wage bill alongside the stadium costs.

Fortunately, they now seem somewhat stable, and even managed to add a few key stars during that window.

However, despite pining for him throughout the summer, Wilfried Gnonto was one that they could not get over the line despite transfer requests and numerous bids.

In the end, Sean Dyche admitted it was just a step too far.

Likely content with snagging Jack Harrison from Leeds United instead, reports have suggested that they are set to dip into Elland Road again, with teenager Archie Gray next up on their list.

Whilst their £40m valuation might prove a step too far, given they were ready to spend £25m on Gnonto in the summer, perhaps they could consider ditching those plans and reinvesting in an area of need.

How good is Archie Gray?

Although signing a tricky young winger was always bound to excite fans, it is with intelligence that Dyche has steered Everton to safety and the current success they are enjoying.

He has everyone starring, even those coming from the bench, with Idrissa Gana Gueye’s match-winning performance against Crystal Palace on the weekend just emphasising that point further.

However, the engine room could be an area of slight worry, given Abdoulaye Doucoure and the Senegal international are 30 and 34 respectively.

Perhaps an injection of some youthful exuberance could be beneficial, and Gray certainly boasts that.

The 17-year-old has made 13 starts in the Championship this season, for a side striving to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Whether it be in central midfield or right back, the teenage enforcer is shining, adding 2.3 tackles and 5.2 ball recoveries per game to his 81% pass accuracy, via Sofascore.

He would surely be a welcome addition to most sides in the country, as one for the future. However, Everton would likely push him into their first-team setup as quickly as possible, as a far more intelligent purchase than Gnonto.