Sunderland, Plymouth and Norwich can breathe a sigh of relief if Leeds, West Ham deal gets done | OneFootball

West Ham United are "expected" to land Leeds United winger Willy Gnonto and that could be good news for a trio of Championship clubs.

The diminutive Italian has struggled to find his best form during the first half of the Championship campaign. One goal and one assist is fairly bleak reading when compared to the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.

Willy Gnonto linked with West Ham United transfer

Nevertheless, his impressive Premier League performances in the 2022/23 season caught the eye, and it appears the Hammers are leading the race for the 20-year-old.

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri (via X), Leeds are "expecting" to complete a sale of the Italian international to David Moyes' side.

Impact on Jack Clarke pursuit

The news of West Ham's move for Gnonto could well be good news for Sunderland.

Jack Clarke is one of Michael Beale's prized assets, and the 23-year-old has reportedly caught the attention of those at the London Stadium.

According to Football Insider (13 January), the Irons do hold an interest in the former Leeds United youngster, however, the £20 million price tag is unlikely to be met.

Considering the emerging Gnonto news, it would now appear extremely unlikely the Conference League champions firm up their move for the jet-heeled Sunderland ace.

The Black Cats will now be eager for Clarke to find his best form and help Beale's side cement a place in the top six.

Will Morgan Whittaker exit Plymouth Argyle after West Ham United news?

It's not just Sunderland who have been given a boost by the Hammers' latest transfer stance.

It's been an extremely difficult month for Plymouth Argyle. Finn Azaz is now donning the red of Middlesbrough and Luke Cundle has followed Steven Schumacher to Stoke City. The Home Park faithful will be looking to take any positive they can at the moment.

According to Football Insider, West Ham, along with Fulham and Brentford are competing to sign 23-year-old star forward Morgan Whittaker. It remains to be seen whether the attacking midfielder will depart this January, but the Hammers potentially looking elsewhere certainly lowers the chances of the former Swansea youngster departing Home Park.

With 14 goals and five assists, Whittaker will be irreplaceable should he depart this January. With Plymouth in 19th position and eight points above the relegation zone, ensuring the likes of Whittaker remain will be absolutely vital.

Norwich City are the third of the clubs who will be happy to hear of West Ham's interest in Gnonto.

Norwich's Jon Rowe has been monitored by the Premier League club, according to The Evening Standard.

The eleven-goal attacker has been a shining light in what has been a difficult season thus far for David Wagner and his team but it seems the Hammers will find their new winger at Elland Road rather than in Norfolk.

A January move is perhaps unlikely, but the decision-makers at Carrow Road would be wise to open contract talks with the 20-year-old.

His current deal will enter its final 12 months at the start of next season, which could open the door for a cut-price transfer to a Premier League side - ensuring he commits to a new and improved deal is a must.