Everton are closing in on a £19m deal for relegated Leeds United star Wilfried Gnonto, despite the Italian starlet having previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and Manchester United.
Gnonto shot to prominence at Elland Road last season, with the explosive dribbler appearing 24 times and grabbing two goals and four assists in that time, though he could not prevent the Yorkshire side from slipping back out of the Premier League.
He was linked with a whole host of clubs, including several in Italy who wanted to bring the latest Italian star back to his homeland.
However, it appears that it is almost-relegated Premier League side Everton that are leading the way for his signature as things stand, with reports in Italy claiming that the Toffees are looking to solve their goalscoring woes with a £19m move for the winger this summer.
Already capped 12 times for Roberto Mancini’s new-look Italy side, Gnonto is almost certain to leave Elland Road this summer, and while Everton are the frontrunners the same report claims that Aston Villa are “in the background” after missing out on free agent Marco Asensio, who opted for a move to Paris Saint Germain.
Everton are thought to be operating on a shoestring budget this summer, and have so far only signed Ashley Young, with the veteran fullback available on a free transfer. However, they are also reportedly in talks for striker Al-Bilal Toure, having offered a loan deal with an obligation to buy the talented 21-year-old, who has a 40m euro release clause.
