Man Utd raid coming after Leeds Utd laugh off £15m Everton bid for untouchable star

Leeds Utd have swiftly rejected a £15m Everton bid for a forward they deem untouchable, with attention now expected to turn to a Man Utd raid instead, per reports.

The Whites have already waved goodbye to a series of first-team stars this summer. Their relegation to the Championship was always going to prompt an exodus, with the likes of Rasmus Kristensen, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson and Rodrigo all making way either in loan or permanent deals.

New boss Daniel Farke is not out of the woods just yet, with interest in guaranteed starters like Tyler Adams and Wilfried Gnonto widespread.

Indeed, Gnonto, 19 is wanted by some of Italy’s elite, while Everton too have liked what they’ve seen.

To that end, a fresh report from the Daily Mail has revealed the Toffees lodged a £15m bid for the livewire winger. Per the report, Leeds did not have to think twice before rejecting the offer.

The report states the bid was ‘swiftly rejected’, with Leeds informing Everton that they have ‘no interest in selling’ the Italy international.

That will be music to the ears of Leeds Utd fans given how encouraging many of Gnonto’s displays were last season.

Against comparatively weaker Championship defences, expectations are high Gnonto can cause all manner of problems in the second tier next season.

With the Gnonto route seemingly closed to Everton who are working with a tight summer budget, all eyes will turn to signing a more cost-effective option from Man Utd.

Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently reported Everton will attempt to lure Anthony Elanga to Goodison Park for a second time.

The Toffees tried in vain to land Elanga on loan during the January window, though are now primed to open “direct talks” with Man Utd.

Everton’s pursuit could have a different outcome six months on, with Man Utd now open to cashing on on Elanga. A permanent sale to the tune of around £10m would suit the Red Devils down to the ground.

Erik ten Hag is understood to be more receptive to losing Elanga thanks in part to the rise of Alejandro Garnacho.

What’s more, if Man Utd sign a new starting centre-forward, Marcus Rashford will revert to playing on the wings.

With Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Garnacho and Antony all available to Ten Hag for the wing roles, Elanga’s time at Old Trafford is coming to a close.

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