Everton have an active interest in Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto despite failing to sign him in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Toffees had a number of bids rejected for the 19-year-old in the main window, which resulted in Gnonto expressing his desire to leave the club and subsequently being excluded from the main group by Daniel Farke.
It is believed several Premier League and European outfits continue to monitor the youngster’s situation at Leeds following the club’s relegation to the Championship.
The Yorkshire outfit are keen to resolve the forward’s long-term future at Elland Road after he was reintegrated into the squad late in August.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (15 September) that Leeds are planning talks with Gnonto over a possible new contract.
That is despite the Italy international’s current deal running until June 2027 following his arrival just over 12 months ago.
He was excluded from the matchday squad for games against West Brom and Birmingham but returned to the side with a goal for the 4-3 win over Ipswich on 26 August.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Gnonto is now focused on the season ahead at Leeds – who are vying for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Leeds are hoping to avoid similar speculation involving Everton and other top European sides in January as they look to extend the youngster’s contract.
The interest in Gnonto’s services comes after he scored four goals and added four assists across 28 appearances in his first season in English football last term.
Everton moved for Udinese striker Beto and Sporting CP youngster Youssef Chermiti as attacking reinforcements in the summer.
However, the cash-strapped Toffees – who have picked up just one point this term – lost stars like Demerai Gray, Alex Iwobi and Neal Maupay from their squad.
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