Leeds winger Wilfried Gnonto has attempted to engineer a move to Everton.
The Italy international is yet to feature for the Championship outfit this season after a series of unsuccessful approaches from Goodison Park.
Sean Dyche’s side are understood to have seen a £25 million bid rejected by their former Premier League counterparts, who issued a hands-off warning.
But despite Leeds’ insistence that he is not for sale, Gnonto is said to have submitted a transfer request in hopes of finally sealing a switch to the Blues.
Everton are continuing to pursue a deal for the 19-year-old after securing his teammate Jack Harrison on a season-long loan from the Yorkshire club.
However the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust revealed on Wednesday that CEO Angus Kinnear assured them of efforts to keep Gnonto at Elland Road.
“Angus stressed that Daniel Farke and the board are working with the players closely to build a squad that is talented, mentally strong and determined to deliver success this season,” read a message from the Trust.
“The belief is that come the closure of the transfer window the players remaining at Elland Road will be the ones Daniel Farke believes can deliver and who are united in the fight.
“It seemed fitting at this to raise the speculation around Gnonto.
“It was clear from the conversation that Gnonto is a player the club see as someone who can be a talisman and that should be retained.
“Angus was keen to get across that if players are here at the end of the window it will be because they are ready for the fight.”