Everton target Wilfried Gnonto asked to be left out of Leeds United’s squad for last night’s League Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town.
The ‘quality’ Italian international has been linked with a move to Goodison Park throughout the summer and the Blues even had a £15m bid turned down.
However, according to the Daily Mail, the 19-year-old asked not to be considered for last night’s fixture amidst speculation surrounding his future.
Leeds have previously indicated that the young attacker is not for sale this summer, despite last season’s relegation to the Championship.
However, the young man is reportedly ‘growing frustrated’ at Leeds United’s stance and wishes to speak with interested parties ahead of a potential move.
With the European Championships just a year away, Gnonto wants to put himself in the best position to be included in Italy’s squad, with a return to top-flight football his preferred outcome this summer.
Italian giants Inter are also interested in the teenager, as are German outfit Freiburg and newly promoted Burnley, alongside Everton.
Wilfried Gnonto to Everton links resurfacing gives Blues fans hope that deal is not yet over
Gnonto played 82 minutes of Leeds’ opening Championship game of the season against Cardiff City last weekend, though a reluctance to feature last night could indicate that the Italian may wish to force a move away from Elland Road.
If that is the case, Everton must act fast if they want to secure the Italian’s signature having already missed out on top summer targets El Bilal Toure and Viktor Gyokeres.
Youseff Chermiti has reportedly had his medical earlier this week ahead of a move from Sporting CP while Fabrizio Romano reports that the Toffees want PSG’s Hugo Ekitike on a season-long loan deal.
Wilfried Gnonto could be an interesting signing for the Blues, and just when it seemed like it was dead in the water, there is suddenly a glimmer of possibility once more.
It’s the hope that kills you.