Wilfried Gnonto has taken a decisive step toward forcing an exit from Leeds United by handing in a written transfer request, The Athletic reports.
The Italy international has been in a sour game of cat and mouse with Leeds, and it has only got worse with the Yorkshire club unwilling to sanction his departure.
Gnonto has no interest in playing Championship football and is determined to return to the Premier League.
Everton are one of several clubs keen to capture his signature, but they have already seen multiple bids rejected.
Despite sanctioning the departures of a plethora of players to clubs in the country and abroad, Leeds have decided Gnonto will not join the exodus at Elland Road.
Having paid around £4 million to secure his services from Swiss club Zurich last summer, Leeds are reluctant to release the highly promising Italian talent after just 12 months.
Gnonto has four years left on his contract at Elland Road, which has handed Leeds the confidence to dig their heels in over the player’s long-term future.
The Whites see the pacy Italian forward as a player that could play a pivotal role in their quest for a swift promotion, but he isn’t willing to stick around for the adventure.
Everton’s most recent bid for Gnonto was reportedly worth £25m, including bonuses and a sell-on clause which would have seen Leeds pocket a substantial profit.
However, they continue to insist he is not for sale, but that hasn’t deterred Everton, who remain determined to strike a deal for the youngster.
Everton are in dire need of attacking reinforcements and have already done business with Leeds this summer following Jack Harrison’s arrival at Goodison Park.
Gnonto could follow the same path to top-flight football, but it remains to be seen if his transfer request will force Leeds to consider doing business.
The Italian has isolated himself from the rest of the team and has been training alone since withdrawing from the squad that suffered a 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City last week.
