By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

25th Jul, 2023 | 8:45am

Wilfried Gnonto: Everton in talks to sign Leeds star - sources

Everton are leading the race to sign Leeds United starlet Wilfried Gnonto this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed an exit for the 19-year-old is now inevitable following the Whites’ relegation to the Championship in May.

Gnonto does not have a loan relegation release clause in his contract, with similar agreements already seeing the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca leave the club temporarily.

As such, the Italy international is expected to leave Elland Road on a permanent basis in the coming weeks.

Everton are leading the race for his signature – with well-placed sources telling Football Insider that manager Sean Dyche sees Gnonto’s versatility as key to the Toffees’ survival next term.

The youngster can play on both flanks, in a second striker role – and lead the line.

Talks are ongoing between Everton and Leeds and with the player’s representatives.

The 19-year-old’s contract at Elland Road runs until June 2027 after he joined from FC Zurich in 2022 for a reported fee of just under £4million.

Gnonto made 28 appearances for Leeds in his first season in English football – but started in just 17 of those outings.

He managed four goals and four assists for the Whites – and caught the eye of fans and pundits alike.

The 19-year-old has already amassed 12 caps for Italy despite his tender age, scoring once.

Cash-strapped Everton have already added Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma in the summer window after another brush with relegation.

Dyche’s side, who finished 17th last term, start the new campaign against Fulham on 12 August.

In other news, Everton set to lose £45m in shattering blow.