Transfer insider Graeme Bailey says one of Leeds United’s most heavily speculated potential departees could actually get more money by staying at Elland Road.
The Whites are likely to see a number of player exits in the coming weeks but will be hoping they can limit the amount that really impact their squad.
Marc Roca and Jack Harrison are the two closest to the exit door right now, but given they were out on loan last season, it is a scenario Leeds will have been planning for.
Outgoings such as those, as well as Red Bull’s sponsorship deal, should help Leeds when it comes to keeping some of their stars, with Crysencio Summerville seemingly the most likely to go.
Brighton & Hove Albion have already started talks with Leeds over a potential move and if the Whites can secure an agreement on their terms of around £30 million, hopefully no one will follow him.
Why Willy Gnonto could be better off staying at Leeds
An early exit for Summerville certainly would not stop the speculation surrounding some of Leeds’ other top young talent, in particular Archie Gray and Willy Gnonto.
It has already been reported that Gray would like to stay at Elland Road this summer, but the future of Gnonto is more interesting after his antics last summer.
After handing in a transfer request and refusing to play, Gnonto was reintegrated back into the squad after an apology on the premise he would not get a third chance.
Gnonto has changed his agent since that saga in August and was also reportedly close to signing a new deal earlier this year, though nothing has been officially announced.
Inter Milan are among the sides said to be keen on the 20-year-old but speaking exclusively to LeedsUnited.News, transfer expert Bailey had an interesting update on his future.
Bailey says he has ‘not heard too much’ in the way of interest in Gnonto as of yet and has suggested he could actually earn better money by signing another contract at Leeds.
He said: “Gnonto is an interesting one and obviously his contract has not been signed yet. Is there an awful lot of interest in Gnonto this summer? I have not heard too much, but there will be takers and clubs in Serie A quite like him. He is on decent money and if and when he signs his new deal, I am not sure whether he is going to get a better offer than that.”
Gnonto could reclaim his left-wing spot by staying at Leeds
Though Gnonto did enjoy a purple patch from the right between February and April last season, there is no doubt his best form at Leeds came on the left.
Unfortunately for him, his best pal Summerville made himself undroppable in that role from October onwards, and Gnonto was made to settle for a rotation option with Dan James on the other flank.
However, if Summerville is to leave as expected, that would leave the left-wing option open for someone to take, and given how ‘brilliant‘ he looked there in the Premier League, there wouldn’t be a better replacement.
Of course, speculation is bound to arise for Gnonto at some point this summer and it will certainly be interesting to see how it is handled.