Everton have their eyes on another relegated star after having a bid rejected by Leeds United for winger Wilfried Gnonto, according to reports.
Gnonto has been linked with several teams following the Whites’ relegation to the Championship.
The Italian international enjoyed a productive 2022/23 season despite his side’s woes and the fact he fell out of favour during Javi Gracia’s short stint at Elland Road.
Football Insider claimed last month that Everton opened talks to sign Gnonto in a potential £20million deal.
And the Daily Mail are now reporting that Leeds have rejected a £15m bid from Sean Dyche’s side and are ‘unwilling to sell’.
With a deal to sign Gnonto now unlikely, the Toffees have turned their attention to former target Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Southampton beat Everton in the race to sign Sulemana in January but there is a possibility the latter will finally get their man, despite a disappointing six-month spell in the Premier League.
The report says Dyche is ‘exploring a deal’ to sign the Ghanaian winger, who joined the Saints for £22m.
Everton seem desperate to bolster their attack after a disappointing 2022/23 season in which they narrowly avoided relegation.
While discussions to land Sulemana and Gnonto are far from advanced, the Merseyside outfit are closing in on the signing of Sporting striker Youssef Chermiti in a deal worth ‘£12m plus add-ons’, the report adds.
Fabrizio Romano broke the news of Chermiti’s move to Goodison Park on Sunday, claiming that an “agreement” is in place.
On Wednesday, Romano added that there is now an “agreement on personal terms” and the 19-year-old striker is set to complete his medical in the coming days.
The Daily Mail adds that winger Demarai Gray could be sold by Everton amidst interest from Al-Hilal, Besiktas, West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Fulham have apparently made an offer for Gray, who is out of contract in 2024, with Everton ‘awaiting an improved bid’ from their Premier League rivals.
The Athletic add that Fulham and Gray have an agreement on personal terms.
The former Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen winger is not training with the Everton first team amid ‘discussions’ with the Cottagers.
Dyche’s side are believed to have rejected an offer from Turkish side Besiktas and have a ‘gap in their valuation’ with Fulham.
It is added that the 27-year-old prefers to stay in England despite interest from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi is another player Fulham are looking at after losing Daniel James – who returned to Leeds after a season-long loan – and Manor Solomon – who joined Tottenham after his loan spell.
