ANOTHER brutal exit possible as three new clubs enter the race for one of their best

Leeds United are facing a difficult season with the prospect of a number of big-name departures in the summer, and one of their brightest young talents is reportedly weighing up a big move.

The Yorkshire club were beaten in the Championship play-off final in May by Southampton, and the need to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules meant that many changes were expected.

Highly-rated teenager Archie Gray has joined Tottenham, while winger Crysencio Summerville is reportedly close to signing for West Ham.

Now another promising young striker, Italian Wilfried Gnonto, is of interest to Parma, Genoa and Venezia, with a loan-to-buy option being discussed, according to reports in Italy.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke is not panicking about his team’s formation despite the new Championship season starting in a week’s time.

“If you are working with anxiety in this business, then you are in the wrong position,” he said.

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“We know we are not PSG or Real Madrid, who can afford to pay for all the players, but we speak openly and honestly about it, and perhaps decisions in the past have forced us into situations now where we have to think about the financial situation and being within the rules.

“Maybe our hands are even a little bit more tied than other clubs, but to do that we need to be there with some smart decisions and, overall, without anxiety, because I have the feeling that there are a lot of players who want to play in this Leeds shirt, especially our group here.”

Farke would like to keep his squad together but is confident the club will not be hit hard by potential departures.

“Even if one or two leave, I’m sure we would find some good solutions as well. But I hope our best solutions remain.”

Will Gnonto return to Italy?

Leeds will be keen to avoid a protracted saga surrounding Gnonto like the one that unfolded last summer. Following relegation from the Premier League, the youngster went on strike in a bid to force through a move to Everton before eventually rejoining.

He helped the club reach 90 points, narrowly missing out on automatic return to the top flight behind Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

Gnonto scored eight goals and registered three assists in 39 league games last season, but Farke says the club are in a strong position regardless of whether he stays or not.

“I think it’s a testament to the good work of our club because our key people have made sure that we have, again, a clear philosophy and stability in what we’re doing, as well as clear values, clear principles, how we want to play,” he said.

“Last season was of course heartbreaking, getting 90 points and not being there with automatic promotion and also heartbreaking to lose the play-off final, but overall we have to say it was a good advert for us, the way we played, the way the team behaved, the connection between the team and the fans, the atmosphere at Elland Road, it was a really great advert after another two difficult and challenging years.

“I think we are in a very good position as well to have a very good team for next season and then let’s see how far we can go.”

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