£40m twist emerges in Everton bid to sign Leeds United star Willy Gnonto after what Gary Neville said

Everton will have to pay £40million to Leeds United if they want to seal the signature of star forward Wilfried Gnonto, according to The Guardian Australia.

In the print edition of the Aussie newspaper (7 July, page 50) reports that the 19-year-old Italian international is wanted by Sean Dyche’s side and Aston Villa but the large fee must be paid to newly-relegated Leeds United.

Gnonto is not without his admirers, as Gary Neville has previously praised the winger for his excellent performances for the struggling Leeds.

Speaking on Sky Sports, as quoted by LeedsLive on 13 January, Neville said: “[On] that far side Gnonto looks absolutely fantastic. Watching him here live for the first time, knowing what a good left winger looks like, he knows the position, the movement to get on the ball, the body shape to receive the ball, it’s absolutely fantastic, and he’s tenacious as well.

“This is really, really special. I said before I’ve not seen a young player know their position and be as composed as this for a long time. Really, really good, Leeds are in business.”

Big player, big price tag

Gnonto has become one of the summer’s most sought-after players. After Leeds’ relegation was confirmed, not many saw Gnoto’s future in Yorkshire and links quickly began to emerge with the likes of Aston Villa, Freiburg and Inter Milan [Alfredo Pedulla] all wanting the winger.

It is understandable why so many top clubs are interested. Gnoto is a dangerous in-the-box presence. His small stature but rapid pace allow him to get past defenders. He can also be a quality finisher, but with just two league goals last season, this is an element the Italian can improve.

Neville’s exclamations about the winger are understandable too, as he notes Gnonto’s ability and footballing intelligence beyond his years. This would make him a good signing as any club would also be buying his very high potential, and thus potentially a significant resale value.

Everton’s links to Gnonto have been strong too, but the £40million reported price tag may be a little too steep for the Toffees. Their budget is seemingly tight this window, implied by their decision not to sign Conor Coady from Wolves being a financial one [The Athletic].

If Everton are spending significantly this summer, they will likely want to spend shrewdly and not waste their budget. Gnonto would probably take away all their budget. Patrick Boyland from The Athletic reported (4 July) that Everton’s budget is not looking healthy.

He wrote: “Even at this stage in proceedings, Everton’s recruitment team are working on a beg, borrow and steal policy, scouring the market for loans, free transfers and budget signings.”

If this is true, then Gnonto is unlikely to link up with Sean Dyche anytime soon. But with interest reported, perhaps Everton can make a deal with Leeds and get their target.