Aston Villa ‘not letting go’ in battle for £18.7m Italy international as Emery favourite set to be unveiled

Will Ford
Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds

Aston Villa have ‘no intention of letting go’ in the battle for Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto despite reports claiming Everton are close to signing the Italy international.

Gnonto joined Leeds for just £4m from FC Zurich last summer despite having already represented his country on the international stage.

He was used sparingly by Leeds in their relegation season but impressed when he was given game time, managing four goals and four assists in his debut Premier League season.

And the 19-year-old is keen to remain in the top flight next term with Everton and Villa both vying for his signature.

It’s claimed the Toffees are ‘very close’ to completing the signing of Gnonto having agreed a €22m (£18.7m) fee with Leeds but as Calciomercato journalist Alessio Lento claims, Villa are still in the running.

Lento claims Everton ‘insist’ on Gnonto but Aston Villa have ‘no intention of letting go’ in what he describes as a ‘hot hour’ in the race for the teenager.

Villa have already signed Youri Tielemans from Leicester on a free transfer and a report on Monday claimed director of football operations Monchi is pushing to sign two stars from Barcelona.

The Villans have reportedly already made a €20m bid for Franck Kessie and are also keen on former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, though the price tags slapped on both players by the Catalans could mean they’re out of reach.

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One player who is destined for Villa is Pau Torres after the Premier League side agreed a £35m fee with Villarreal for his transfer, and the centre-back is now on his way.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: ‘Pau Torres, finally on his way to England as he’s at the airport prepared to travel to Birmingham. #AVFC He will be unveiled as new Aston Villa player on five year deal very soon.’

Speaking previously about Torres in 2021, Unai Emery told Football London: “Pau Torres is an amazing player — I think he’s top,” the Villa boss said. “I’ve been a coach in Sevilla, PSG, Arsenal and I’ve never seen a centre back like Pau Torres.”