Everton remains in pole position to land Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto despite interest from Serie A champions Napoli, sources have told Football Insider.
The 19-year-old talent is highly regarded in his home country and has already amassed 12 caps for the senior Italy squad, scoring once.
But Napoli needs to raise money before they can sanction any deal for Gnonto, giving Everton the edge in the race for his signature.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (25 July) that talks are ongoing between the Merseysiders and Leeds – as well as with the player’s representatives.
A well-placed source has revealed that a bid of £20million is likely to be enough to land Gnonto – ensuring a tidy profit for the Whites despite their relegation to the Championship.
It is believed Leeds are in need of funds to bolster their playing squad for the 2023-24 campaign -with several players only leaving on loan so far.
Gnonto’s contract at Elland Road runs until June 2027 after he joined from FC Zurich in 2022 for a reported fee of just under £4million.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Everton manager Sean Dyche sees Gnonto’s versatility as key to the Toffees’ survival next term.
The youngster featured in several attacking roles as he made 28 appearances for Leeds in his first season in English football – scoring four goals and adding four assists.
Cash-strapped Everton have already added Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma in the summer window after another brush with relegation last term.
Meanwhile, Championship outfit Leeds have already allowed the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca to leave the club temporarily – and are now keen to get transfer funds for wantaway stars.
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