Leeds issue ‘not for sale’ statement as Everton continue chase for forward facing ‘disciplinary’

Leeds United say they will take disciplinary action against Wilfried Gnonto after he missed the midweek Carabao Cup tie against Shrewsbury Town and insist the Italy forward is not for sale.

Gnonto made himself unavailable for Leeds’ 2-1 win on Wednesday night and will play no part in Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship game at Birmingham, the Whites have said.

A Leeds statement read: “Earlier this week, Willy Gnonto and his representatives were informed by the club that he would not be sold this summer.

“Following those conversations, Willy felt he was unable to play in Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town.

“Despite training for the last two days, Willy has informed Daniel Farke that he still does not feel able to play this weekend and has not travelled to Birmingham for the game tomorrow.

“This is now an internal disciplinary matter and the club will make no further comment, other than to reiterate that Willy is not for sale.”

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Leeds signed Gnonto for a reported £3.8million from FC Zurich in September last year and the winger proved an instant hit at Elland Road, scoring two goals in 25 Premier League appearances.

He was already a full international for Italy before arriving in West Yorkshire and has gone on to make 11 appearances under head coach Roberto Mancini.

Following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League in May, 10 senior players have departed, while the club appointed Daniel Farke as head coach in July.

Gnonto has been strongly linked with Everton in recent weeks and a report from 90min says the Whites’ £30million asking price is too high and the reason why Italian giants Napoli and Juventus ended their interest.

The report in question claims the Toffees are ‘pushing ahead’ to sign Gnonto, but will not be happy seeing the Championship club’s statement on Friday night.

Another player Sean Dyche’s side are looking at is Paris Saint-Germain youngster Hugo Ekitike.

Everton have already signed Ashley Young, Arnaut Danjuma and Youssef Chermiti this summer.

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