Newcastle emerge as favourites to land long-term Everton target and Italy record-breaker

Newcastle United are plotting an exciting move for highly-rated Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto after his side’s failure to win promotion from the Championship last season.

TeamTalk understands that Eddie Howe has picked out the 20-year-old as a potential replacement for Miguel Almiron, who continues to be linked with a blockbuster £30m to Saudi Arabia after a series of failed attempts in January.

Leeds United face a battle to keep a hold of many of their top stars after finishing third and missing out on promotion through the Championship play-off final. The likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter have both been heavily linked with moves away and now Gnonto is thought to be another player on the radar of Premier League clubs.

Gnonto was eager to depart Elland Road last summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, and was heavily linked with a move to Everton in 2023 in what remained one of the longest-running transfer sagas of that window.

Leeds were ultimately able to keep hold of the youngster on deadline day and he was eventually able to regain his place in the Whites team under Daniel Farke as he registered eight goals and three assists in 39 appearances for the West Yorkshire side. Everton remain interested in landing Gnonto but TeamTalk understands that Newcastle are now ready to join the race to sign the youngster.

Gnonto is a player capable of featuring on either flank and like Anthony Gordon, can even be used as a makeshift centre forward. This is particularly appealing given the Magpies’ injury record last season and Eddie Howe’s insistence on increasing his team’s squad depth.

The youngster has played 24 times in the Premier League and has already won 13 caps for 2020 Euro winners Italy. In 2022, he got his name on the scoresheet in a 5-2 Nations League defeat to Germany and added his name into the history books by becoming the youngster goalscorer in his nation’s history. However, he was unable to make the squad for Euro 2024 and is reportedly eyeing a move back to the top-flight to increase his chances of regaining an international spot.

Gnonto is renowned for his excellent pace and his ability to beat defenders with ease. He is also known for his terrific workrate and would fit seamlessly into Howe’s high press system.

TeamTalk understands that the youngster is valued at around £30m by Leeds United but claims that a figure north of £25m could be enough to get the deal done this summer.

Leeds have already sold Archie Gray to Tottenham for a figure in the region of £30m this summer in a crucial deal which alleviated any FFP concerns. The Whites are in no rush to sell any of their prized assets this summer and are determined to build a team capable of winning promotion back into the top-flight.