Journalist Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United are now distancing themselves from links to striker Wilfried Gnonto.
It has been reported over the last few days that Leeds were in talks to bring in the Italian striker and it was even suggested that personal terms had been agreed and Leeds were now pushing to agree a fee with FC Zurich.
Before the weekend’s round of matches kicked off, it appeared that Leeds could have done with some more experience and depth at the striker position, but with Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt both on the treatment table, that need only appears to have grown.
However, while speaking on The Phil Hay Show, it was reported by Hay that Gnonto is not someone Leeds are looking to sign.
He said: “The message I’ve had has been playing that one down this morning [Monday], so I’m not convinced that’s going to happen.
Will Leeds sign a new striker?
Yes!
No!
“He’s a good talent, he’s an Italy international already, and you have to say would very much fit into the sort of profile that Leeds do go for – young players with potential. But young at 18, without a doubt, younger than Gelhardt. But no, a bit of cold water poured on that this morning.”
TIF Thoughts on this Gnonto transfer blow…
It’s been reported that FC Zurich would demand a fee in the region of £4m for Gnonto, who at 18, appears to have a big future ahead of him having already been capped by the Italian national side and with 64 first-team appearances under his belt.
However, given that Leeds already have someone of a very young age in Gelhardt, who they splashed out just under £1m on just a few years ago, it could seem a bizarre move to bring in another young striker who could potentially block Gelhardt’s pathway into the first team.
Meanwhile, it seems there are mixed messages surrounding their reported chase of Gnonto, with Fabrizio Romano having stated he is someone Leeds are ‘keeping an eye’ on.
Instead, it may make more sense to recruit someone who may be seen as more of a veteran within the Premier League or in football generally, as they may not demand a huge amount of game time but would be able to provide solid backup and help develop Gelhardt at the same time.