Everton was dealt a late January transfer blow, with a new contract objective of £30 million.

Everton was much more busy during their summer window than they have been this month, when not even the slightest hint of real activity has occurred.

When Kevin Thelwell relocated to Goodison Park, he was aware that he would have to work within a limited budget. Nevertheless, he succeeded in bringing in players such as Beto, Jack Harrison, and Arnaut Danjuma, who significantly improved an otherwise dismal team that lacked genuine quality.

Along with a tremendous deal of depth, these additions gave Sean Dyche’s team much more than they had before.

But the summer was ruined by a transfer saga that never ended and didn’t result in anything advantageous for the Toffees.

After all, supporters had already begun to anticipate Wilfried Gnonto’s arrival—an advent that would never materialize.

Was Wilfried Gnonto on the verge of joining Everton?

Despite being one of the most well-documented transfers of the summer due to Everton’s constant communication with Leeds United, the deal was ultimately abandoned.

Apart from the player’s transfer request, the Whites were not under any particular pressure to sell, and they were aware that the Toffees would not be able to keep raising their offer indefinitely.

Three proposals, the biggest of which apparently totaled £25.7 million, were thus rejected; however, few of them came near to their £30 million assessment.

Dyche would later note that they came nowhere near to striking a deal.

Whether the 52-year-old was merely playing down their ongoing interest, Sky Sports has now detailed a fresh blow for Everton.

Journalists Tim Thornton and Lyall Thomas noted: ‘Leeds are increasingly confident of agreeing a new contract with Wilfried Gnonto. Gnonto’s current deal expires in 2027 but he has had interest from other clubs over the last 12 months – namely from Everton.

‘The winger has made 21 appearances in the Championship so far this season but all but five of them have been as a sub.

 

‘He was not in the squad at all for Sunday’s game against Preston. Nevertheless, Leeds are keen to agree new terms with the Italy international, who is still just 20 years old.’

Would Everton have benefited from Wilfried Gnonto’s signing?

While adding the twenty-year-old to their ranks would have been an intriguing capture, Jack Harrison is a remarkable substitute who has adjusted with ease.

He fits in perfectly as a Dyche player thanks to his industrious intelligence, and he also possesses the talent to score and assist.

Gnonto, on the other hand, would have been a far riskier purchase, but one with better prospects.

He contributed eight goals last season in all competitions, which was a commendable result for the teenager taking advantage of his first year in the Premier League and England.

However, Dyche won’t be overly depressed if the young Leeds United player’s botched transfer resulted in the Harrison loan and might now lead to his permanent capture.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk