Newcastle United are reportedly set to rival Everton for the signature of Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto this summer.
The 20-year-old is facing an uncertain future at Elland Road after the West Yorkshire side failed to secure promotion to the Premier League last season, losing in the playoff final to Southampton.
Leeds' financial predicament has led to speculation that a few of their star players could be sold to generate funds, and Gnonto is one name that has been linked with a summer exit amid interest from top-flight clubs.
Everton are understood to have held an interest in Gnonto for some time, but TEAMtalk reports that Newcastle are plotting a move for the Italy international as they look to sign a replacement for Saudi Arabia-linked Miguel Almiron.
Gnonto, who was keen to leave Leeds last summer before an exit failed to materialise, has scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 72 appearances for the Whites in all competitions and is valued at around £25m.
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Fiorentina set to accept Forest's Milenkovic bid
Staying in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Fiorentina to sign defender Nikola Milenkovic.
The 26-year-old has spent the last seven seasons with La Viola and has made 264 appearances in all competitions, including 50 outings last season.
Milenkovic, who started for Fiorentina in both of their Europa Conference League final losses in the last two seasons, still has three years remaining on his contract and is regarded as an invaluable first-team player.
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are closing in on the signing of the Serbia international, with Fiorentina set to accept a £12m proposal from the English club.
Forest are said to have sent Milenkovic a contract offer and as soon as a transfer fee is agreed between both clubs, the player will be able to undergo a medical.
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Lyon to sign Mikautadze after Monaco hijack
Elsewhere, Ligue 1 club Lyon appear to have successfully hijacked Monaco's deal for Metz forward Georges Mikautadze.
The 23-year-old scored 14 goals in 31 games on loan at Metz last season before becoming one of six Golden Boot winners at Euro 2024 after scoring three goals for Georgia.
Metz have activated the option to buy Mikautadze permanently from Ajax for around €10m, but the forward is now set to complete a move to Lyon.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Monaco had initially agreed a deal to sign Mikautadze and had even booked a medical, but Lyon have swooped in to hijack the deal after agreeing an €18m fee.
Mikautadze is now set to undergo a medical with Lyon and put pen to paper on a five-year contract until 2029 ahead of becoming Les Gones' eighth signing of the summer transfer window.
Oliver Thomas
