Aston Villa face competition from Inter Milan for highly rated 19-year-old

Aston Villa have reportedly already made their first approach to Leeds United for wonderkid winger Wilfried Gnonto ahead of a potential transfer swoop.

The 19-year-old only scored twice in 24 Premier League appearances last term, but he caught the eye of many a supporter up and down the country for his tricky footwork and directness. Everton are also interested in the Italian international.

Villa also face competition from Italy, with last year’s Champions League finalists Inter Milan also reportedly keen on Gnonto. The Leeds winger is valued at around €25million (£21m).

Italian journalist Simone Togna posted a picture on Twitter this week, which appeared to show Gnonto’s agent Claudio Vigorelli at Inter Milan’s headquarters on Thursday (July 7). Villa fans will remember the fiercely contested battle between Ashley Young and Gnonto during the 2-1 win over Leeds in January.

At times, Young used his experience brilliantly to win back possession and keep Gnonto’s threat to a minimum. At others, the forward was able to run Young ragged and get beyond.

His potential was clear to see throughout much of the season and it might not be long until Unai Emery can get to work at unlocking more of Gnonto’s talent at Villa Park, according to a report.