Everton suffer 'transfer blow' as exciting attacking target is set for new deal at Leeds United

Everton pushed hard in the summer to sign Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto but failed to secure their man and now he is set to sign a new deal.

Gnonto, 20, had submitted a transfer request in August following the arrival of Daniel Farke and their relegation to the Championship. However, he later apologised and returned to the club and has gone on to make 21 appearances this season.

Those have mostly been off the bench as the Leeds frontline has been in great form this season, meaning that Gnonto has found it hugely difficult to break into the fold - and just seven league starts and one goal demonstrates that. The Toffees opted to push for Jack Harrison in a loan deal in the summer instead in what has been both a cost-effective and smart footballing choice given he plays off the right wing. Given Arnaut Danjuma also arrived in the summer and Lewis Dobbin was promoted, Sean Dyche already had them two plus Dwight McNeil to play off the left, which is Gnonto's position, making a potential move unlikely despite the registered interest.

Now, he is set to pen a new deal according to The Athletic. This comes following the news that the club wanted to offer him a new deal given he was considering changing his agent. His current deal expires in 2027 so there is clearly a focus on an improved contract as they are under no pressure to sell.

This season has been a struggle given that he struggled to settle under the new manager. It's been just one goal in all competitions and he has failed to build on the momentum he displayed in his first season in England. Four goals and four assists came last season as he stunned many with his acrobatic effort against Cardiff in the FA Cup and he bagged goals against Manchester United and West Ham.

With Everton's financial struggles, signings are unlikely until the completion of the club's takeover. Loan and free agents are possibly the only way to negotiate their lack of funds but Gnonto was an exciting target who was available in the summer as Leeds fell to the Championship and he will perhaps feel like a missed opportunity.