Aston Villa ‘arrange meeting’ to open talks with £30m Everton target

Aston Villa are preparing for transfer discussions with Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto’s representatives, according to a report in Italy.

Unai Emery is stepping up his search for a new forward with the likes of Harvey Barnes, Moussa Diaby and Jeremy Doku linked. But Gnonto could be in genuine contention.

The 19-year-old showed glimmers of extraordinary talent during his debut Premier League season with Leeds as he scored two goals and registered four assists.

Gnonto didn’t just impress with his goal contributions either, as he often dazzled on the ball, leaving defenders in the dust with silky skills and rapid acceleration.

Villans legend Ashley Young was on the receiving end of Gnonto’s best performances in the English top flight as the pair enjoyed quite the battle at Villa Park in January.

The Italian could soon grace B6 again as a report in Italy claims Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, will hold talks with Gnonto’s agent in the next few days.

Conversations will need to gather pace, however, as Everton are in advanced talks and have already had a £15 million offer rejected, according to The Daily Mail.

It’s reported that Leeds are determined to keep hold of Gnonto after losing the likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie and Rasmus Kristensen.

The recent takeover from 49ers Enterprises also means the Whites aren’t in a position where they have to sell. Gnonto could cost as much as £30 million as a result.