Updated Wilfried Gnonto has now submitted a formal transfer request in an effort to force a move away from Leeds United, with Everton reportedly in pole position to sign him should the Yorkshire club relent and make him available for transfer.
Leeds had dug their heels in regarding the want-away winger, releasing a statement over the weekend that the 19-year-old was not for sale, despite Gnonto refusing to play for Daniel Farke’s side.
Sky Sports have claimed that Leeds have knocked back a bid as high as £25m, inclusive of appearance-related add-ons, from Everton this summer but David Ornstein of The Athletic says that the Blues are ready to submit an improved offer to secure a top target.
Everton have been trying to prise Gnonto away from Leeds for weeks now and have, at times, been reported to be close to getting a deal over the line but the Yorkshire club have repeatedly rejected the terms being offered.
Leeds’s public stance has been hardline and even this evening the word from Elland Road is that they won’t sell the player during this transfer window but, privately, there is a belief that they will relent if they receive the right offer and it could take Everton raising the up-front fee and reducing the amount owed contingent on appearances for the two clubs to reach an agreement.
In the meantime, Gnonto has been moved out of the Leeds dressing room and is training away from the rest of the first team.
At 19 and already an Italian international, Gnonto is regarded as one of the most exciting teenagers currently playing outside of England’s top flight and there have been reports in recent days of interest from Tottenham Hotspur who are flush with cash now that they have sold Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.
This article has been edited for clarity