Everton revive interest in Leeds United star after frustrations last summer – as Aston Villa swoop for another of their targets
- Everton have renewed interest in Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto, 20 years old
- The Toffees saw a bid of around £25million rejected by Leeds last summer
- PLUS: Aston Villa target Jaden Philogene as they approach Amadou Onana
Everton have renewed interest in Leeds United striker Willy Gnonto after Aston Villa secured another winger in Hull City’s Jaden Philogene.
The Toffees were keen to sign the 20-year-old Gnonto last summer and he handed in a transfer request at the start of the season following their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds rejected their bid of around £25m last summer, sticking to £30m.
Gnonto’s contract runs until 2027 and although he has not extended it, he has apologised after initially refusing to play for the Championship club.
Everton have rekindled their interest in the winger after it emerged Aston Villa were pursuing their own academy graduate Philogene, who plays for Hull City. Sean Dyche’s side were reportedly in the race for the 22-year-old.
Everton have asked fresh questions about Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto after he failed last summer
The star had handed in a transfer request after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League
Leeds held on to him and demanded £30million, but they lost to Southampton in the play-off final
In addition, Everton are still in negotiations with Villa over the sale of midfielder Amadou Onana for £50m.
Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Villa were close to completing a deal for Belgian star Onana, who played four times at Euro 2024.
That reality is looming ever closer now that Champions League contender Villa have agreed personal terms with the midfielder and accepted a bid – although no deal has yet been completed.
Villa have long been interested in Onana. Other clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester United, were keen but never stepped up their ambitions. The Gunners made contact in May about a deal but never followed up on an offer.
Meanwhile, free agent Dele Alli has travelled with Everton to the training camp in Ireland, where he hopes to secure a new contract.
Everton have reached an agreement with Tottenham which means they will not have to pay a new fee if they offer the 28-year-old a contract.
The former Spurs star has not played a competitive match since February 2023 due to a hip injury and a groin problem.
Aston Villa are set to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for around £50m
Dele Alli was pictured with Everton’s pre-season training squad as they travelled to Ireland
The former Tottenham star has not played a competitive match since February 2023
Mail Sport can exclusively reveal that Everton have reached an agreement with Tottenham which will see them waive any further transfer fee for Alli if they offer him a new contract.
Under the terms of his transfer from Tottenham to Everton in January 2022, the north London club would be entitled to a significant sum if the 28-year-old signed a new contract at Goodison Park.