CONFIRMED: Everton look to Brazil ace as Gnonto alternative

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 28 Jul 2023 09:10 BST
3 min read

Sean Dyche, Everton, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Everton will look to sign Brazilian winger Tete if they are unable to find a middle ground with Leeds United over a fee for Wilfried Gnonto.

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As revealed, Everton have held talks with Leeds over a move for the Italian youngster but so far no middle ground has been found and now the Premier League outfit are looking at other options.

Tete is currently registered with Shakhtar Donetsk but has spent the last two seasons on loan, at Lyon and Leicester City respectively. The Brazilian has said that he will not return to Ukraine for this upcoming campaign amid the ongoing war between the country and Russia.

Everton have also looked at signing striker El Bilal Toure, but have been beaten by Atalanta, with the forward set to arrive in Bergamo today. Everton had tracked the striker for over 18 months but were unable to agree a deal with Almeria, who now have an agreement in place with the Serie A side for €30 million, including bonuses.

However, Everton have a number of alternatives they are looking at. Che Adams of Southampton is liked and so is Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho. Both have been discussed by the recruitment team and would offer a cheaper option than Toure, who was their first choice for the No.9 role.

Plymouth Argyle are interested in Lewis Warrington. [@jac_talbot] pic.twitter.com/FQZNVDCTOs
— EFC DAILY (@EFCdaily_) July 3, 2023

Everton might have a degree of leverage in purchasing Adams, too, as Mason Holgate is being looked at by Southampton. The Saints are looking to rival Sheffield United for the 26-year-old’s signature.

Everton have brought in Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal ahead of the new season, while Ashley Young has arrived on a free transfer after turning down newly-promoted Luton Town to sign for the Toffees from Aston Villa.

The veteran spoke to the Daily Mail about choosing Everton and how life has been with them so far. He said: “Him [Sean Dyche] and Everton is a good match and from what I've seen so far, all the players are willing to buy into it.

“I knew he wanted me at Burnley before I went to Aston Villa so it was extra pull to join Everton besides the fans, players and size of the club.

“Obviously the last two seasons haven't gone as well as they should but he has the mentality to take the club higher up the table where they should be.”