Former Leeds United star Carlton Palmer has insisted that Parma and Genoa would have to fork out a big fee if they want to snare Wilfried Gnonto away from Elland Road in the January transfer window.
Gnonto was linked with a move away from Leeds in the summer and the Whites rejected an offer from Premier League side Everton.
Leeds lost Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter to Premier League teams in the last transfer window but managed to hold on to the Italy winger.
The Italian even signed a new four-year contract in the summer but there are suggestions that he could attract interest from clubs in Serie A in the winter transfer window.
It has been claimed that Parma and Genoa are working on a way to sign the Leeds winger in January but the Whites are likely to reject any offers.
Carlton Palmer insists Leeds would need a massive offer if they are to sell Wilfried Gnonto in January
Palmer indicated that Leed showed in the summer transfer window that they are a selling club after three key players moved on to Premier League sides.
He stressed that Gnonto is a key player for Leeds this season and the new contract has further strengthened the club’s position in any future negotiations for his sale.
The former White is aware of the interest from Parma and Genoa but insisted that give Leeds turned down a big offer from Everton for Gnonto, they would have to offer massive money if they want to sign the winger in the January transfer window.
“No sooner than the summer transfer window has shut, speculation is swarming around Leeds United’s Willy Gnonto”, Palmer said whilst speaking exclusively to Football League World.
“Leeds United have already lost the likes of Rutter, Summerville and Archie Gray to Premier League clubs.
“But Gnonto, who had a little bit of a disciplinary problem with Daniel Farke, settled down back in the group.
“He’s a very big part of what Leeds United are trying to do for next season.
“He’s only 20 years old, he’s got 13 caps already for Italy.
“He’s signed a new contract, so he’s under contract at the club until 2028, so Serie A duo Parma and Genoa are keeping a close eye on the Gnonto situation.
“It’s reported that they will try and get Gnonto out of Leeds United come January, but Leeds are in a very, very strong position now.
“He’s signed a new contract until the summer of 2028.
“It’s believed they turned down in excess of £20 million [according to The Athletic] that was offered by Everton, in the summer, for the 20-year-old.
“So, the Serie A duo will have to come up with an awful lot of money for Daniel Farke to part company with Willy Gnonto.”
Gnonto has started the opening four Championship games of the season and is expected to line up in the starting eleven against Burnley on Saturday.
