EXCLUSIVE: Everton reconsider Gnonto amidst Ekitike competition
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 9 Aug 2023 08:05 CDT
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Everton are looking to revisit a move for Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto, while personal terms won’t be an issue.
The club have laid the groundwork for a move for Gnonto since late spring, with FootballTransfers revealing the club's interest in the player. During this time, his agent, Claudio Vigorelli, has already had talks with Everton and meetings took place at the side’s headquarters.
Everton will look to make another move for Gnonto but have set up the likes of Kamaldeen Sulemana and Tete as alternatives.
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The Toffess have also made a surprise approach for Hugo Ekitike. We are told that Everton are weighing up a loan move for the 21-year-old, who is surplus to requirements at Paris Saint-Germain. Ekitike joined the club officially last month, in deal worth £26m plus an extra £3.8m in bonuses, after his obligation-to-buy from Reims became active.
The Frenchman was looked at by Newcastle in 2021 but he opted to push for a move to PSG. The forward failed to live up to the mark and struggled for game-time with Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe all being played ahead of the 21-year-old.
Everton are eyeing up a move but we also hear that Ekitike has some interest from Lens, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund.
Maguire West Ham-bound
Meanwhile, there was no hope of Everton landing Harry Maguire, with the asking price for the former Manchester Untied captain deemed too high.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Everton to refuse Branthwaite sale as Ten Hag eyes former Eredivisie defender
The player is now close to a move to West Ham after being promised a large role at the club and the possibility of being a captain.
Everton have generated revenue through the academy this year and the sale of Demarai Gray will boost their kitty still further.
Finally, Youssef Chermiti is also undergoing his medical at Everton following his €17m move from Sporting CP.
Everton face Fulham on Saturday as their first game of the Premier League season.
