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We’re delighted to welcome EFL expert and former striker Don Goodman as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Elland Road. Don Goodman believes Leeds United should consider selling Wilfried Gnonto if a reasonable offer is made before the transfer window closes. Leeds rejected three bids from Everton for Gnonto last summer, the third reported to be in the region of £26million [BBC Sport, 1 September]. The Whites were said to be holding out for £30m at the time, but no further offers were forthcoming and the Italian remained at Elland Road. Everton were tipped to make a new approach for Gnonto this month, albeit before they were hit with two separate charges for financial breaches. Fellow Premier League side West Ham have more recently been credited with an interest in Gnonto [Sacha Tavolieri, January 18].
There were suggestions earlier this week that Gnonto could yet sign a new deal with Leeds, but Goodman says a sale should not be ruled out just yet. “I’d be surprised if any Premier League club was willing to pay the same amount for him as last summer,” Goodman told MOT Leeds News. “If I’m Leeds, based on the fact he’s hardly played, and therefore you’ve proved you can win games without him, as long as they got something decent – whatever that may be, £20m, £25m – then I’d be interested in moving him on. “Maybe that could then fund some additions for Leeds United, so I certainly wouldn’t have any qualms.
“Last season he was brilliant in the Premier League in an underperforming side – a real handful. At the same time, he hasn’t been able to get in the Leeds side this season. “He knows he needs to be playing football, especially with his international aspirations. He will not be able to play for Italy if he’s just coming off the bench for Leeds in the Championship – that just won’t happen. So I’m sure him and his agent will be keen to get back to the Premier League, and to get to a team where he will get some minutes.” In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke may be without a key player for the trip to Bristol City. For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
