Leeds United are reportedly ‘very close’ to signing FC Zurich forward Wilfried Gnonto.

The Lowdown: Gnonto linked with Leeds

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the 18-year-old over the last seven days after Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio broke the news regarding a potential move to Elland Road.

Subsequent reports have suggested that an agreement on personal terms with the player, who has been hailed for his ‘technical’ qualities by Italy coach Roberto Mancini, is ‘essentially there’.

Leeds still need to reach an agreement with Zurich, who may be willing to cash in on the forward given that he is into the final 12 months of his contract in Switzerland.

The Latest: Gnonto transfer update

Ahead of today's Premier League clash against Chelsea, MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Corriere Dello Sport on Saturday, who claimed that Gnonto is ‘very close to Leeds’, with the Whites ‘in a hurry to close and define all the agreements’.

They also relayed an update from The Scotsman, who say that the teenager is still expected to be in the UK next week for Zurich’s Europa League qualifier away to Hearts.

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The Verdict: Head south after Hearts?

Should Gnonto travel to Scotland with Zurich for Thursday’s clash against Hearts, he may well look to head south shortly after the match to tie up a move to Leeds, if a transfer falls into place over the coming days.

Jesse Marsch confirmed on Friday that the Italy international is a player of interest but more of a long-term project, although it would still be good to wrap up a deal relatively quickly.

That would allow the Whites to focus on potentially signing a first-team forward along with Gnonto, so it looks as if this will be one to watch over the coming days.