Daniel Farke remained tight-lipped on Wednesday night as speculation intensified that Leeds winger Willy Gnonto is set to be sold.
Mail Sport understands that 19-year-old Gnonto asked not to be considered for Shrewsbury’s visit as he closes in on a move before the window closes.
Leeds have been steadfast in their refusal to sell the Italy international who has four years left on contract after signing last September from Zurich.
Farke, who confirmed Gnonto was not injured, refused to be drawn on suggestions that Norwich defender Max Aarons snubbed Leeds to join Bournemouth instead.
The Leeds boss said: ‘Willy was not available today and I don’t speak about any players currently under contract with a different team.
Daniel Farke refused to reveal why Wilfried Gnonto was not in the squad on Wednesday night
Farke confirmed that Gnonto was not injured, and Mail Sport understands the winger did not want to be considered for selection as he is seeking a move away
‘I only speak about my players who are available, not about possible incomings.’
Gnonto made a big impact during a difficult season that saw Leeds relegated and has attracted interest from the likes of Burnley, Freiburg, Inter Milan and Everton.
Leeds have allowed a number of players to leave owing to relegation clauses and USA midfielder Tyler Adams is being lined up for a £20m move to Chelsea.
Farke, when pressed on why Gnonto was not available for selection, added: ‘Listen, in general you know I’m always open and honest and give you a pretty transparent answer.
‘But once there’s a situation, I can’t give you the whole picture due to me not being in control.
Defender Pascal Struijk bundled home the winner for Leeds in the 58th minute
Joe Gelhardt tucked away the rebound after Ian Poveda’s shot was parried by Marko Marosi
Taylor Perry’s spectacular deflected strike had put Shrewsbury ahead in the 28th minute
‘I prefer to give you what I can say and not create a story – but the facts are that he was not available. There will be time to make comments on this, but not currently.’
Midfielder Taylor Perry fired Shrewsbury ahead with a fierce deflected strike in the 28th minute for his first goal since arriving this summer.
Leeds were booed off at the break by the 35,129 crowd before a major improvement saw them seize control early in the second half.
Joe Gelhardt equalised from close range in the 52nd minute and six minutes later half-time substitute Pascal Struijk bundled the ball home at the far post from a corner to seal a second-round trip to Salford.
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