Everton: ‘Huge offer’ development emerges in Everton bid to sign Leeds United star Willy Gnonto

Leeds United are demanding a “huge offer” to consider selling Willy Gnonto amid interest from Everton, according to Ben Jacobs.

The Italy international has been the subject of much speculation so far this summer, with The Daily Mail reporting on 16 July that the Toffees had a bid worth £15million turned down for the forward.

Speaking to GiveMeSport on 7 August, CBS journalist Jacobs said the Whites are determined to keep hold of the 19-year-old as he is a key part of manager Daniel Farke’s plans to help guide the club back up to the Premier League.

“I think that Daniel Farke sees Gnonto as being quite vital to the project in terms of coming back up, so Leeds have been pretty bullish here,” said Jacobs.

“They’ve been pretty dismissive with Everton, which tells you that somebody is going to have to pay above market value to succeed on this one.

“As it stands, Everton haven’t come back and Leeds are planning for the player to remain at Elland Road for the season. Only a huge offer or a player-driven move to try and force an exit is looking like changing that at this stage.”

Tough one

This is a tough one because there is no doubt that Gnonto is an exceptional talent after impressing in his first season in the Premier League for Leeds last year.

But the fact of the matter is, the Toffees simply can’t afford to be shelling out too much on one player due to the ongoing financial constraints and the need to strengthen in other areas of the squad.

It was also reported on 2 August by TEAMtalk that the winger wasn’t keen on a move to Everton and would prefer to stay at Elland Road.

If that is the case, then it would be completely pointless for the club to continue in their efforts to sign him as the last thing they want is a player that isn’t completely committed to the cause.

It seems to be becoming more unlikely that Gnonto will be heading to Goodison Park this summer, so it’s time for the club to pursue other targets and move quickly to get them in ahead of the start of the new campaign.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are eyeing a shock move for an English forward.