Claims Everton are leading the pack in pursuit of Leeds starlet Gnonto

The rumour mill merry-go-round continues with fresh stories that Everton are now leading the race for Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto.

These links, one of so many of course, have been doing the rounds for weeks now ever since Gnonto and Leeds were relegated last season.

An Italian youth international, the 19-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation regarding his future along with several other of Leeds most prized assets like Jack Harrison.

It does seem more than likely that these young talents will move on, especially as some have release clauses in their contracts making them more affordable to other clubs.

Gnonto is still a relatively unproven player in Premier League terms having only managed a total of fourteen apparences last season, ten of them coming off the bench.

But, he seems to be a highly regarded teenager and there will probably be a number of suitors if he does leave Elland Road this summer.

And, according to reports from another source, Everton will face serious competition if they intend to make a move for him.

Football Insider say Aston Villa would make a very good new home for the Italian and are being urged by a former player to step up their interest in the attacking midfielder.

Leeds will no doubt be keen on a bidding war for the player if he is to leave.

Gnonto’s best position appears to be on the left side of midfield or as a left-sided forward. The Blues need creativity and goals from everywhere and anywhere so help of any kind up front will obviously be valuable.

Whether he is the man to provide that is of course very hard to say.

The Toffees need players who can contribute immediately, but also ones who are relatively young so that they can potentially acrue sell-on value.

Gnonto might fit the bill in terms of the latter requirement but would he be able to hit the ground running and score goals right away? I’m not sure.