Report: Everton now ‘leading the race’ for 19-year-old forward Wilfred Gnonto

Everton are now in talks to sign Leeds United attacker Wilfred Gnonto, with the 19-year-old looking likely to leave Elland Road this summer.

Indeed, Sean Dyche’s side are ‘leading the race’ for his signature as the Toffees seek to strengthen their attacking output.

As per reports in Football Insider, Gnonto’s Elland Road exit is now ‘inevitable’, though the teenager does not have a relegation clause in his contract.

Everton have been heavily linked with the 19-year-old throughout the summer, though it now seems there may be some movement.

The Toffees are yet to spend this summer, recruiting free agent Ashley Young and bringing in Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long loan deal from Villarreal.

Indeed, this week has seen the Blues locked in a battle for Almeria forward El Bilal Toure, with Serie A side Atalanta competing with Everton for his signature.

Everton securing Wilfred Gnonto would be big boost for Dyche ahead of new season

While the outcome of the Bilal Toure transfer saga remains unresolved, Everton appear to be turning their attention to Leeds Uniteds Wilfred Gnonto.

Gnonto signed for Leeds last year from FC Zurich for just shy of £4m, scoring four goals and contributing as many assists for the relegated side.

The youngster has already made 11 international appearances for Italy, and last year became the youngster ever goalscorer for the Azzurri, breaking Bruno Nicole’s 1958 record.

Gnonto certainly fits the profile of the type of player Everton should be recruiting this summer, with his versatility and creativity potentially vital.

The prodigious Italian has bags of potential and his national coach Roberto Mancini believes, though there is room for improvement, he has ‘quality’.

Mancini said: “Gnonto is a young boy, no one has thought of hiring him but he plays as a starter in the Premier League and that’s not a given at 19. He can still improve and he’s young, he has quality.”

The young Italian could be a very interesting signing should Sean Dyche tempt him to Goodison Park.