“They need a striker, if you’ve got £25m, throw it towards a striker, he score only two goals last season”- Danny Mills blasts Everton pursuit of Willy Gnonto as he insists Toffees should prioritise signing of a new striker

Danny Mills has told TalkSPORT (Thursday, 8.45AM) that he cannot understand why Everton are bidding £25m for Leeds United man Willy Gnonto.

Gnonto, 19, immediately became a fan favourite at Leeds after joining the club from Zurich. His exciting, aggressive displays caught the eye – that, and his involvement in winners over Liverpool, Bournemouth.

But now, he has gone from hero to zero. Refusing to play as he looks to push through a move to Everton. Sky Sports have reported that The Toffees have tabled an offer to sign Gnonto, the latest worth £25m.

Leeds are playing hard-ball. Forcing him to train in the bomb squad with Luis Sinisterra, Helder Costa. Ex-Leeds defender Mills has given his take on the situation, praising Leeds for remaining stubborn.

“It’s really interesting, he’s like a jack in the box. Powerful, strong, quick – but he scored only two Premier League goals last season. Everton have just signed Harrison, have got other players in those positions.

“Everton need a striker to support Dom Calvert-Lewin. If they’ve got £25m, throw it towards a striker. But fair play to Leeds, they’re playing hardball – the latest offer of £25m, Leeds have said no to.”

Everton do have strikers. A new signing in Youssef Chermiti, while Neal Maupay remains at Goodison Park. Also, Alan Nixon says Tom Cannon’s exit from Everton is delayed due to a move for Patson Daka.

Clearly, Everton are looking to bolster their attacking options in order to score their way out of a third successive relegation battle. It is interesting to see what price would be deemed acceptable by Leeds.

All will become apparent over the next two or three weeks. Come the deadline on September 1, who will have Gnonto?