According to HITC, Leeds United are now considering selling forward Willy Gnonto in January after previously blocking a sale in the summer window.
On Monday (8 January), the news outlet stated on its website that Premier League club West Ham United could approach the Italian international about signing him.
It further stated that Serie A clubs Roma, AC Milan, Atalanta, Napoli, and Lazio have all expressed interest in signing the 19-year-old on loan, but it is “unclear” whether the Whites would authorize a temporary transfer.
Difficult
This isn’t an easy scenario for Leeds to manage since Gnonto will have been expected to be more engaged this season after the club didn’t allow him to go last summer.
While he’s had a few starts in recent weeks, the winger still appears to be behind Dan James and Crysencio Summerville in the Elland Road pecking order.
That’s because he’s only had one goal and one assist in 22 games this season, and the ankle injury he suffered against Hull City in September cost him his starting position.
Daniel Farke will presumably not want to lose any first-team players during the transfer window, but if the Italian is becoming disgruntled with his lack of opportunities, it may be preferable to send him on to avoid a situation that could jeopardize the Whites’ promotion bid.
Although a loan agreement could allow the club time to consider their long-term strategy with the player, now may be the best moment to cash in on him while his worth is still expected to be high following his performances last season.
