Willy Gnonto U-turn hopes grow for Leeds as bold new plan to block Everton, Tottenham emerges

Leeds United have renewed hope that they can retain the services of star man Wilfried Gnonto in a move that they believe will leave his main suitors Everton and Tottenham disappointed.

The Italy winger was one of just a few bright sparks for Leeds last season as the Whites slipped out the Premier League with a whimper. A bargain £5.15m signing from FC Zurich, Gnonto made a huge impression at Elland Road, scoring four times and laying on four assists from 28 appearances.

That form understandably has seen the 19-year-old draw many admiring glances with Gary Neville even commenting how the player “looks like a Manchester City player in the making”.

And since Leeds’ relegation, interest in the 11-cap Italy star has risen with Everton leading the charge for his signature. Indeed, the Toffees have seen two bids fail for Gnonto already. Their initial offer was a mere £15m, which Leeds quickly batted off. They have since come back with an improved bid of around £20m, which the Whites again turned down; this time with the warning that Gnonto was not for sale.

However, the star – seemingly unhappy at Leeds’ stance – has tried to take matters into his own hands by trying to force the move. He made himself unavailable for last weekend’s Carabao Cup win over Shrewsbury and was also absent as Leeds were beaten 1-0 at Birmingham on Saturday.

Boss Daniel Farke has since confirmed that Gnonto – as well as Luis Sinisterra – are training away from the main group as they continue to pursue moves away.

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Leeds try new approach to keep Wilfried Gnonto

That has led to speculation that Leeds’ stance on his sale could now change. The Elland Road faithful, having taken Gnonto to their heart, appear to have turned on Gnonto, angered by his refusal to play for the club.

Furthermore, with fresh claims Everton have raised their offer to £25m, the suggestions are that Leeds are finally ready to buckle.

Keeping a close eye on the situation, however, are Tottenham with their manager Ange Postecoglou also an admirer of the teenager and with money to spend following the hefty £86m sale of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

However, the Daily Telegraph has news about a new push by Leeds to convince Gnonto to stay.

And they claim that, in a bid to convince Gnonto to stay, Leeds could offer him a new deal and payrise to reflect his importance to the team. Furthermore, were he to sign, the new deal will reportedly contain more favourable clauses that can secure him a move away from Elland Road at a later date should promotion not be secured this season.

As remains, however, Gnonto and his representative are yet to respond to the offer and the player continues to be excluded from the first-team until a decision on his future is reached.

In the meantime, he will not be part of Leeds’ plans for Friday night’s Championship clash against West Brom at Elland Road.

Gnonto’s current deal at Leeds runs until 2027.

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