Transfer Centre

Everton 'have third bid rejected for Wilfried Gnonto'

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 01 September 2023

Everton are reportedly set to miss out on Wilfried Gnonto as Leeds United reject a third bid of around £25.7m for the Italy international.

Everton have reportedly had a third bid for Wilfried Gnonto rejected by Leeds United.

Two bids north of £20m had been made earlier this month by the Premier League club, but Leeds rejected both.

Despite relegation to the Championship, Leeds remain adamant that Gnonto will not leave for less than £30m this summer.

Shamoon Hafez of BBC Sport claims that a £25.7m bid was submitted on Thursday night by Everton, which Leeds turned down.

It is believed Everton are not willing to go any higher for the Italy international, and are now expected to move onto other targets.

Gnonto was banished from the Leeds squad earlier in the window after trying to force a move away from the club, before submitting a formal transfer request.

However, Daniel Farke has recently reintroduced the 19-year-old to the Leeds squad, and he played the full 90 minutes in both of their games this week in league and cup.

Sean Dyche has revealed that Everton will need to sell players before bringing in any more new faces before the deadline.

Everton manager Sean Dyche on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

The signings of Beto and Youssef Chermiti have been made this summer, but Everton's tight financial restraints means that further investment into the squad is unlikely unless money is recouped.

Alex Iwobi and Tom Cannon are two players on the verge of departing, with Fulham and Leicester City, respectively, close to completing deals for the Everton duo.

Neal Maupay is also expected to move to Brentford on loan before the window slams shut, potentially freeing up some space on Everton wage book for new arrivals.

Kamaldeen Sulemana is the other name which has been touted for much of the summer regarding Everton.

The Southampton winger only joined the club for £22m in January though, so he is unlikely to be much of a cheaper option than Gnonto.

Sulemana is likely to depart though, having not been a part of Russell Martin's Southampton squad at all so far this season.

The Ghana international played 38 games for Rennes and Southampton last season, scoring three and assisting three in all competitions.