Leeds United summer signing Wilfried Gnonto has enjoyed a breakthrough under manager Jesse Marsch.

The 19-year-old, who was originally signed with the future in mind, has been one of the Whites' standout stars in recent outings - four starts in the Premier League have returned a goal and an assist, whilst he played the full 90 against Cardiff City in the FA Cup third round at the weekend.

Speaking about the Italy international after his goalscoring exploits against West Ham United, journalist Tom Carnduff claimed the Yorkshire side had found "an absolute star" in Gnonto, adding: "Had such a huge impact since arriving, especially when you consider it might not have happened at that stage of the window."

Meanwhile, the versatile frontman has also been lauded by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who said he carried "the threat all evening for Leeds" and was at the "forefront of every scrap."

What makes the signing even better is the fact that he cost absolute peanuts as according to the Daily Mail, director of football Victor Orta only paid FC Zurich around £3.8m, despite initial demands of £17m.

That itself was a robbery, considering he has been capped multiple times by Roberto Mancini but also because he's already soared in transfer value, as per CIES Football Observatory.

From the 4th of January, Gnonto is estimated to be worth €20m (£18m), which represents a cool 374% increase on their investment, and that sort of number is surely only going to rise further with the more exposure he has to the English top-flight and his form in front of goal.

Once on the books at Inter Milan, the versatile eight-cap gem is also capable of playing on either flank and a little deeper in support of another striker, such as a no.10 or secondary forward.

Therefore, it's easy to see why Orta and co struck gold with the signing of Gnonto - who talent scout once dubbed a "real diamond" - because his value to both Leeds on the pitch and off it in the transfer market is only going to benefit the club for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news, Leeds in “advanced” talks to sign £26m ace who “packs a punch”, he's a Bamford upgrade...