Crystal Palace identify £30m Leeds star as Zaha replacement; Everton could miss out on top target | OneFootball

Crystal Palace could battle Everton for the signature of Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto this summer, according to reports.

The Whites are expected to lose several key players after being relegated to the Championship, with Premier League clubs looking to take advantage of their situation.

As previously reported by Football365, Everton are interested in signing Gnonto. Interestingly, they have also been linked to other Leeds players such as Jack Harrison and Rodrigo.

Sean Dyche is charged with rebuilding the Everton squad ahead of next term, as he looks to avoid a third-consecutive battle with relegation.

Attacking players are expected to be his focus, too. The Toffees scored just 34 goals last season, the second-fewest in the Premier League.

Therefore, signing a young, hungry player like Gnonto who can score and create chances is exactly the kind of business they need to be looking at doing.

However, Crystal Palace could potentially scupper the Toffees’ plans.

This is according to The Mirror, who claim the Eagles’ will target Gnonto this summer if they lose Wilfried Zaha.

Zaha’s contract at Selhurst Park expires at the end of the month and as it stands, everything points towards him leaving.

Saudi club Al-Nassr are reported to have an interest in the 30-year-old. They are willing to offer him a contract worth £45m over three years.

Paris Saint-Germain have also shown an interest in Zaha. So, it seems highly unlikely he will pen a new deal at Crystal Palace.

Now, the Mirror’s report claims Gnonto is at the top of their list of targets to replace him. However, they face competition from Everton, Brighton and West Ham.

Last season, Gnonto made 24 Premier League appearances for Leeds. In the process, he scored two goals and made four assists.

The 19-year-old was one of the few positives for the Whites after joining from FC Zurich for just £4m last summer.

He has also earned himself a spot in the Italy national team. Since his debut last year, he has already made 10 appearances.

Leeds are believed to value Gnonto at approximately £30m. And, he is only expected to improve as he gains more experience.