According to Last Word on Sports, Leeds United received bids for Willy Gnonto and Charlie Cresswell this summer and both are now looking to go.
The Whites are said to have turned down both proposals, with Everton attempting to recruit the Italian international attacker, 19, [The Athletic, 17 July].
Rangers had been associated with centre-back Cresswell, 20, but that was “completely” refuted by Rangers Review shortly after (20 June), and the source of the bid for the Englishman is not disclosed.
With the completion of the 49ers takeover on Monday night (18 July), new chairman Paraag Marathe has stated his aim to protect important players from departing.
However, a source told Last Word on Sports a day after the deal was completed that the two kids are now “actively” looking to leave Elland Road this summer as a result of the offers.
The reverse was reported by Leeds Live on Sunday (16 July) in Gnonto’s situation, and Phil Hay even felt a fresh agreement to entice him to stay was on the cards on The Square Ball on Tuesday, but this update implies the landscape has altered.
Worry
Recent events have put a considerably brighter spin on a summer that was always going to be exciting, if not painful, after relegation.
The fact that the Gnonto deal was rejected, as well as a clear intention to keep him and others, came just as news broke that Ethan Ampadu was on his way in as Daniel Farke‘s first signing, just as the long-awaited takeover got the go light from the EFL.
If this new story is correct, it will certainly put a damper on proceedings, as both players are poised to make important contributions in the Championship if they are retained.
Gnonto‘s form plummeted when he was mysteriously dropped by Javi Gracia last season, but he was the star man during Jesse Marsch’s months in command, and he appears like the type of player who may be a leading light in the second tier next term.
Cresswell overcame obstacles to become an important member of Millwall’s starting lineup under Gary Rowett last season, until his season was cut short by a shattered eye socket.
His Championship experience puts him in a good position to make his Leeds United debut, especially as fellow defenders Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, and Rasmus Kristensen have all left on loan.
So, if they force their way out of Elland Road before the window closes, Farke and the crowd will definitely be disappointed.
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