Sources at Everton view the prospective signing of Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto as a “bonus” this summer, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The outlet reported on its website on Saturday (27 July) that Jesper Lindstrom took priority over the Italian international as they signed the midfielder on loan with an option to make his stay permanent.
Merseyside sources suggest the Toffees are aiming to conduct deals using staggered payments in an effort to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules for the next financial year.
Leeds aren’t thought to be willing to sanction the sale of Gnonto unless a large portion of the fee is paid upfront, so while Everton’s interest still remains, it is unlikely the Italian winger will join the Blues.
Therefore, any deal that can be struck to bring the attacker to Merseyside would be viewed as a bonus, with several other positions in Sean Dyche’s side in need of strengthening first.
Will Wilfried Gnonto exit Leeds United amid Everton transfer rumours?
This was always going to be a difficult transfer window for Everton to navigate given the uncertainty off of the field at Goodison Park and while things have gone well so far, signing Gnonto may just be a step too far.
Leeds don’t need to sell the Italian international this summer and if they do sanction his exit it will be on their terms. At this moment in time, it doesn’t seem as though the Toffees can meet those terms without risking their PSR position.
That could change later in the window if some more players leave Dyche’s side in the coming weeks, but currently, it seems as though Everton have prioritised the signing of Lindstrom ahead of Gnonto.
Whether or not that was the right decision supporters will just have to wait and see. On the face of it, the Leeds man would have been a lot more expensive, but Lindstrom has yet to prove he can cut it in the Premier League.
Hopefully, the Toffees will strengthen in the areas they need to before the Premier League season gets underway and who knows, they may even manage to pull off their bonus and bring Gnonto to Goodison as well.