Leeds United barrier remains in Swansea City star pursuit

Finances have been an issue in their quest to sign the Dutchman.

Finances remain an issue in Leeds United’s quest to recruit Swansea City striker Joel Piroe, according to Ben Jacobs who revealed this information in an interview with Give Me Sport.

The Whites could benefit from strengthening their forward area before the summer transfer window closes, with the club set to lose a key attacking in the coming hours or days with Jack Harrison on the verge of completing a move to Everton.

Brenden Aaronson has also sealed a move away from Elland Road along with Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts, so there’s a need for Leeds to secure some attacking additions with the club only addressing their goalkeeping department and defence at this stage.

Their lack of depth in the final third was evident on Saturday and although this was because some of their players including Willy Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra are all unavailable, they need to address this area regardless.

Gnonto, Summerville and Sinisterra could all seal moves away from Elland Road before the end of the window anyway, so Daniel Farke’s side will have to have targets lined up to prepare for these potential departures.

Which strikers have been linked with a move to Leeds United?

Yesterday, Alan Nixon reported that Everton’s Tom Cannon was on their radar and this isn’t a shock considering how well he did at Preston North End during the second half of last season.

Proving to be an excellent goalscorer at this level, the Whites are just one of several teams keeping tabs on the player at this stage with the Toffees seemingly prepared to send the Irishman out on loan again.

They have also been linked with Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer – another player that has been a success at this level before for both Preston and Middlesbrough – narrowly missing out on promotion with the latter.

But Farke’s side’s interest in Piroe has been known for longer, although they haven’t been the only side in the race to recruit the Dutchman who has been very impressive throughout his time in South Wales.

Why are Leeds United unable to get a deal over the line for Joel Piroe?

Piroe is reportedly happy to stay at Swansea before potentially moving on next year when his contract expires – but finances seem to have been the main issue in Leeds’ quest to sign the Swansea man this summer.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said: “I think Leeds would like a striker.

“I think that they need a goalscorer to come in and make sure that they retain their firepower, but it’s not guaranteed.

“Joel Piroe has been the one that’s been linked from Swansea, but I think that price has always been a bit of an issue there, even though Leeds are very genuine.”

Should Leeds United be prepared to pay big bucks for Joel Piroe?

No, they shouldn’t despite his obvious quality.

Even though they could still generate a big fee from player sales between now and the end of the window, they haven’t generated that much from sales so far because many of their key men have gone out on loan.

And this is why they need to be careful in terms of how they spend, with the club already forking out fees on Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow.

They still need to bring plenty of players in too, with their midfield in particular need of attention.

With this, they need to ensure they don’t blow the rest of their budget on one player.

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Key reason why Willy Gnonto wants to leave Leeds United revealed

The youngster is keen to remain in Roberto Mancini’s thoughts.

HIGHLIGHTS

Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto looks set to be absent for today’s match against Birmingham City after feeling unable to play.

The 19-year-old made himself unavailable for their midweek win against Shrewsbury Town as well, after being told by the club that he would not be allowed to seal a move away from Elland Road before the summer transfer window closes.

He hasn’t travelled to the Midlands either for this afternoon’s clash at St Andrew’s and he now looks set to face disciplinary action for his failure to appear in these two games.

His absence will come as a blow for the Whites who would have benefitted from having the talented teenager at their disposal against John Eustace’s side, who have strengthened their squad considerably this summer.

With the player seemingly not for sale, it’s unclear whether Gnonto will miss further matches, make himself available again or actually secure a move away from Elland Road.

It may not be a shock to see the Whites change their stance considering how disruptive this saga could be for Gnonto’s teammates in West Yorkshire.

Why does Wilfried Gnonto want to leave Leeds United?

According to the Daily Star [11/8 paper edition, page 45] (via Goodison News), Gnonto is keen to leave Elland Road to maximise his chances of winning more caps for Italy.

With the European Championships coming up next year and Roberto Mancini’s side desperate to defend their title, Gnonto will be keen to be firmly involved.

He may only have a chance of securing his place in Italy’s squad for the long term if he’s competing in a top league though and this is why he will want to make an escape from the Championship despite how competitive it is.

A move back to the Premier League may be ideal for Gnonto who may feel he has unfinished business in England.

What’s the latest on Wilfried Gnonto’s situation?

Everton have had a £20m bid for the Italian rejected, according to Football Insider.

90min, meanwhile, believes the Toffees will have to pay £10m more to get a deal over the line, but they are hesitant to pay £30m at this stage.

And even if they were able to agree a fee with Leeds for the teenager’s signature, they want to pay a modest amount up front for him before paying the rest in instalments.

Considering the Whites are a side that haven’t generated a huge amount in player sales this summer, they may be keen to secure a decent amount of the £30m immediately.

Is Wilfried Gnonto right to push for a move away from Leeds United?

You can understand why Gnonto wants to secure a move away because he could win a decent amount of game time in the top flight.

He isn’t guaranteed to be a regular starter for his current side this season anyway with Jack Harrison, Dan James and Crysencio Summerville available as options.

These are two reasons why Gnonto is probably right to try and secure a move away.

However, the way he’s going about it could make him unattractive to future clubs, with the player refusing to play against Shrewsbury and Birmingham.

Instead, he needs to get his head down and concentrate on his current club until an offer is accepted for him. If he doesn’t move during this window, he needs to accept it.