Leeds United news as details of Everton’s Wilfried Gnonto efforts emerge amid ‘collapse’ report
Catch up on the latest Leeds United morning headlines
Details of Everton’s Gnonto efforts emerge
The situation regarding Wilfried Gnonto continues to rumble on, with Friday night’s issuing of a transfer request from the Italian’s side coming shortly before Leeds United took on West Bromwich Albion.
This came a week after Leeds dug their heels in and insisted that the 19-year-old was not for sale after the forward downed tools and refused to turn out for the Shrewsbury Town Carabao Cup game and then subsequent matches against Birmingham City and the Baggies as he continues to agitate for a move away.
Everton have been the side most closely linked with the Italy international, with the Daily Mail shedding more light on the Toffees efforts to land Gnonto. They report that Sean Dyche’s side made four unsuccessful bids for Gnonto and that talks ‘collapsed’ once Leeds informed the Premier League strugglers that he was not for sale.
Darlow emphasises patience in Meslier battle
Karl Darlow is happy to be patient in the battle to become Leeds United number one. The recent summer arrival started the Carabao Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town but is yet to start a league game under Daniel Farke.
The former Newcastle United shot stopper expressed his desire to be number one at Elland Road and Illan Meslier has been linked with a move away from the club this summer. The Frenchman has started all three of Leeds’ Championship games and been much improved on last season’s dip in form.
Darlow says he wasn’t naive to think there wouldn’t be competition for places upon arrival, but will play when injured for the Whites. He told the Official Leeds United podcast : “Of course, any goalkeeping group that you go into, from the first interview I did, I’ve been in the game long enough to know that wherever you go you’re going to have top goalkeepers competing against you.
Shackleton on need to stop conceding first
Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton was ‘disappointed’ not to get the first win of the season against West Brom on Friday evening, as United’s winless start in the Championship continued following their stalemate against The Baggies.
Leeds went one goal down six minutes into the second half due to a deflected shot from Jayson Molumby which trickled through their defence. But 20 minutes later a looping Dan James cross was met by skipper Luke Ayling towards the back-post, leaving Baggies keeper Alex Palmer rooted to the spot to secure a point for the West Yorkshire side.
Shackleton, who was lively throughout down the right side of midfield for Leeds and often drifted into creative pockets of space further inside the pitch, almost opened the scoring midway through the first half after some nifty footwork allowed him to produce a venomous strike from outside the West Brom box which was deflected on to the post.
