£20m forward ‘skips game to force transfer’ amid Aston Villa and Everton interest

Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto reportedly requested to be left out of the Whites’ squad against Shrewsbury Town on Wednesday to try and force a transfer.

The 19-year-old, who Leeds are desperate to keep hold of for the season ahead, wants to move following intrigue from Premier League clubs Aston Villa, Everton and Burnley.

This is according to a report in The Daily Mail that claims Gnonto missed Leeds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup win by his own asking. The Italian got what he wanted as he wasn’t in the squad at all.

Enquiries have already been lodged by Everton and Burnley, whereas reports in Italy have been crediting Villa with a serious interest in the forward.

Gnonto showed glimmers of exciting talent and potential during his debut Premier League season with Leeds as he scored two goals and registered four assists.

He 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.

It awaits to be seen how much Gnonto could set back a potential suitor but what is for certain is it will be in excess of £15 million – a figure Everton bid and saw rejected.