The most recent transfer news for Leeds United before January...

The former Eurosport journalist stated in an interview with GiveMeSport on October 29 that the Whites “need the bulk of this squad to stick together” for the whole of the season since they have a “big task” to complete in order to return to the Premier League.

It’s uncertain, though, if Gnonto, 19, will consider departing again in the winter after attempting to force a move to Everton before the summer transfer deadline. According to Jones, a midseason “overhaul” may ruin the promotion push.

“I believe they want to try and keep things as settled as possible heading into the second half of the season,” Jones stated. It goes without saying that the Gnonto one will be the most well-known to watch out for.

“Everyone is aware of how close he was to trying to quit the club and his desire to do so during the summer. I suppose we will find out in January just how much Leeds has been able to persuade him to the contrary.

“However, I believe we’ll have to wait until this summer for the other essential players since Leeds needs the majority of this group to stay intact for the time being.

It will be difficult for them to exit the Championship, so having a change of personnel midway through the season is surely not going to help.

Things have changed.

Leeds United’s Elland Road leadership would undoubtedly prefer that no one leave during the January transfer window after what happened to them during the summer.

Considering that he joined the squad last season and the Whites’ efforts to retain him, Gnonto hasn’t had the kind of effect that would have been anticipated, but the campaign is still young and there’s a good possibility he’ll be required.

His season was cut short by injury and his own attempts to quit, but Crysencio Summerville has stepped up big time in his stead in recent weeks.

Dan James has also outperformed the Italy international, while Georginio Rutter has demonstrated the kind of talent that made Victor Orta part with a club record £35.5 million for him—albeit at an entirely inopportune moment.

Therefore, rather than engage in another standoff, the Whites might theoretically afford to let Gnonto go if he makes another push because they have alternative options.

It is definitely more likely now than it was in the summer [The Athletic, August 18] if they want to finance some incoming business and there is a taker who is ready to give the £25m or more that Everton placed on the table.

But any move must be carefully considered because of his close friendship with Summerville, and it would be more dangerous to let his excellent buddy depart and maybe unsettle the Dutchman, who is now playing well.