Everton revive interest in Leeds United star after frustrations last summer – as Aston Villa swoop for another of their targets

Everton have made fresh enquiries for Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto after Aston Villa moved for their other wing target Jaden Philogene of Hull City.

The Toffees were keen to sign Gnonto, 20, last summer and he handed in a transfer request as the season began following their relegation from the Premier League.

Leeds rejected their bid of around £25million last summer as they held out for £30m.

Gnonto’s contract runs until 2027 and though he has not renewed, he did apologise after initially refusing to play for them in the Championship. 

Everton have re-sparked their interest in the winger after it emerged that Aston Villa were pursuing their own academy graduate Philogene, who plays for Hull City. Sean Dyche‘s side had reportedly been in the race for the 22-year-old.   

Everton have made fresh enquiries about Leeds star Wilfried Gnonto after failing last summer

The star had handed in a transfer request after Leeds were relegated from the Premier League

Leeds kept hold of him and demanded £30m but they lost to Southampton in the play-off final 

Additionally, Everton are continuing talks with Villa over the £50m sale of midfielder Amadou Onana.

Mail Sport reported on Saturday that Villa were on the verge of sealing a deal for Belgium star Onana, who played four times at Euro 2024. 

That reality is edging closer as Champions League-bound Villa have agreed personal terms with the midfielder and had a bid accepted – though a deal is not done yet.

Villa have held a longstanding interest in Onana. Other clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester United, were keen but never stepped up their pursuits. The Gunners made contact over a deal in May but never followed up with an offer.

Meanwhile, free agent Dele Alli has travelled with Everton for their training camp in Ireland as he looks to secure a new contract.

Everton have reached an agreement with Tottenham so they don’t have to pay a new fee should they offer the 28-year old a deal.

The ex-Spurs star has not played a competitive match since February 2023 due to a hip injury then a problem with his groin. 

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana for around £50m 

Dele Alli was pictured with Everton’s pre-season training squad as they travelled to Ireland

The former Tottenham star has not played a competitive match since February 2023

Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Everton reached an agreement with Tottenham so that they are not required to pay a further fee for Alli should they offer him a new contract.

Under the terms of his transfer from Tottenham to Everton in January 2022, the north London club were due a significant fee if the 28-year-old agreed a new contract at Goodison Park.