Aston Villa have reportedly opted not to follow up any interest in Leeds United star Willy Gnonto. The Italian has been the subject of much transfer speculation this week, with Everton and Newcastle United supposedly weighing up bids.
Leeds have already seen Archie Gray and Glen Kamara leave in recent weeks, with the possibility of Crysencio Summerville also departing in a £40m move, and so losing Gonnto too would be less than ideal for Daniel Farke. The 20-year-old was a key man in last season’s promotion push and would again be vital to hopes of sealing a Premier League place next May.
Villa are on the verge of selling French winger Moussa Diaby, with talk of a £60m move to Saudi side Al Ittihad. That would give Unai Emery a sizeable transfer budget to spend, with Gnonto thought to be availalble for around £20-25m.
However, the arrival of Jaden Philogene from Hull City for £18m looks set to end Aston Villa’s interest in Gnonto, with Everton now leading the chase. Reports suggest Sean Dyche’s side have made contract with Leeds about the winger, although no deal has been agreed.
Leeds must weigh up how many players they can afford to lose this summer, with Joe Rodon and Joe Rothwell the only outfield signings to date. Brenden Aaronson will retun to Daniel Farke’s squad after a year out on loan at Union Berlin, but the squad is looking thin on the ground, especially if Summerville and Gnonto were to leave.
