Everton have quickly managed to seal the loan deal for Jack Harrison despite late attempts from Aston Villa to hijack the deal. Harrison is not the only Leeds United winger that Everton admires as the interest in Wilfried Gnonto is not a secret.
The Toffees moved quickly in negotiating with Leeds over a loan deal. The personal terms were not an issue and the medical was scheduled. Just after the Everton medical, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Harrison as the Villians tried to hijack a move. With Harrison’s injury that will keep him out for five to six weeks, ultimately Villa did not move forward and Everton managed to win the race for the 26 year old.
Harrison’s arrival has not quenched Sean Dyche’s thirst for wingers as he still remains keen to add more options to his attack. Another Leeds player, Gnonto, has been on EFC’s list for months now. The Toffees had been working in the background since April and have an agreement in place on personal terms since July.
Wilfried Gnonto remains top Everton transfer target
With Leeds relegated, it was expected that the Merseysiders will manage to complete the deal quickly for Gnonto but the Championship side have been reluctant to sell the 19 year old. Everton have not been the only interested party with the likes of Napoli also keen on the Italian. However, the Toffees were considered as leaders in the race for Gnonto before they started looking at alternatives as the talks were not progressing.
EFC decided to reignite the talks with Leeds for the Italian winger. Everton bids have been knocked back as Leeds’ stance is clear that the 19 year old is not for sale. According to Sky Sports, Everton are still looking to sign Gnonto despite the signing of Harrison on loan. Dyche is keen to add another winger to the EFC squad and have made Gnonto their top transfer target.
As per Caught Offside, Leeds are reluctant to sell Gnonto and they will want £30 million to consider his sale. The 19 year old has missed two Leeds games and the relationship between the player and the club is broken. Gnonto has not made himself available for selection as the Italian remains keen to move to Goodison Park.
Everton still have over two weeks to push and agree on a transfer with Leeds but the Whites are proving to be very stubborn and are not loosening their stance on Gnonto.
Will EFC manage to sign Wilfried Gnonto?