Everton are now close to signing Leeds United striker Wilfried Gnonto, according to claims from the Italian media.
The news comes from Sport Italia, who write that the player’s agent is now sorting out the move.
Representative Claudio Vigorelli is said to be in London handling the final details of Gnonto’s transfer from Leeds to Everton.
Sport Italia claims the ‘definitive white smoke’ is now expected in the next few hours.
Gnonto had been linked with leaving Leeds United since the final months of the season, and the Whites’ relegation to the Championship only made his departure more likely.
Even though it were mostly Italian clubs who were said to be interested in him, the likes of Aston Villa and Everton soon showed up in the fight to sign the 19-year-old.
This fresh report from Sport Italia doesn’t say how much the Toffees are spending to get Gnonto from Leeds, although previous reports from the Italian media had claimed that the bid was for a €18m deal, plus €6m in bonuses.
The Goodison Park side were also said to be offering the player a five-year contract, paying him €2m per year. It needs to be kept in mind that salary figures are usually reported after tax in Italy.
