By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

11th Aug, 2023 | 3:00pm

Sources: Everton submit £20m bid for Gnonto - he's on 'small wages' at Leeds United

Everton are the frontrunners to land Wilfried Gnonto and have seen a £20million bid rejected by Leeds United for the forward, sources have told Football Insider.

The Whites remain adamant about keeping the 19-year-old at Elland Road despite their relegation to the Championship.

But Everton remain hopeful of reaching an agreement with the Yorkshire giants and are pushing hard to do so.

It is believed personal terms will not be an issue for the Toffees despite their well-documented financial problems.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Gnonto is on “small wages” at Leeds – having only joined the club from FC Zurich 12 months ago.

Sources also told Football Insider on Thursday (10 August) that the Italy international has told Leeds club chiefs he wants to leave immediately.

Sky Sports have claimed (10 August) that Gnonto made himself unavailable for the Whites’ 2-1 EFL Cup win over Shrewsbury on Wednesday (9 August) as a result of his annoyance at a deal not being done.

The youngster was part of the starting lineup as Leeds drew their league opener 2-2 against Cardiff last week (6 August).

His contract at Elland Road runs until June 2027.

The youngster featured in several attacking roles as he made 28 appearances for Leeds in his first season in English football – scoring four goals and adding four assists.

Everton have already sealed the signing of one young forward this summer, with Sporting CP starlet Chermiti joining the Merseysiders for a reported £15million.

In other news, Leeds could now pay big-money fee for Liverpool star.