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'Barrel load of money' - Leeds United have 'win-win' transfer scenario with Wilfried Gnonto

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


It would not be a transfer window without talk of Wilfried Gnonto's Leeds United future. It emerged earlier this month that multiple Saudi Arabian clubs are interested in signing the Italian international.

Gnonto, who made his 100th appearance in United colours in Sunday's victory against Sheffield Wednesday, has featured prominently for Daniel Farke's side this term as they target a Premier League return. The Whites tied Gnonto down to a new long term contract back in August.

EFL expert Don Goodman told casino.co.uk: "Gnonto has had a good season, with four goals and five assists, which isn't to be sniffed at. That being said, he's only started in one of their last six games in the Championship, which makes me wonder if he's no longer the number one for Daniel Farke, who already has lots of options in that area.

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"If a club from Saudi Arabia offered a barrel load of money, I think Leeds would be interested in taking the deal and potentially reinvesting it; or keeping it for FFP purposes.

"Either way, it's a win-win for Leeds. They're either making plenty of money on a player currently not making the first XI, or they're keeping someone with proven quality for what remains of the season."

It remains to be seen if United will look to increase their attacking firepower before the transfer window closes on February 3. Aston Villa playmaker Emi Buendia has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road.

When quizzed on the Whites' attacking options, Sky Sports pundit Goodman said: "There's been a lot of talk about Patrick Bamford leaving. He's certainly down the pecking order now.

"If he was to leave, they'll potentially look at that area. Although Joel Piroe has been playing and scoring, he's not an out-and-out number nine in my view.

"If however, they didn't bring another player to the club, I'd still expect them to finish top two. I think they have an awful lot of strength in depth. I know there was a bit of worry when they lost Ampadu and Gruev earlier in the season, and they were almost forced to put Rothwell and Tanaka in, whereas now, you could argue those last two would probably be Farke's first choice in midfield."

Daniel Farke's troops remain Goodman's favourites to win the title. "As decent as Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland are, Leeds for me are just that level above all three of those teams based on what I've seen this season," he said. "I think Leeds will get better as the season goes on. I'd be pretty confident that they'll be in the top two."