Manchester United reportedly approached Everton about a move for Chelsea target Anthony Gordon, before instead completing the deal to sign Antony.
According to The Athletic, Everton attacker Anthony Gordon has admirers at Manchester United, who made a late check into signing the Chelsea target before deciding to make a final push to land Antony from Ajax.
It has been a busy few last weeks at Manchester United, with a major squad makeover in the works and a couple of new players adapting to Erik ten Hag’s system. After sealing the deal to sign Casemiro, Manchester United switched their emphasis to getting Antony, who was thought to be ten Hag’s priority target this summer and has forced his way out of Ajax to move to England.
However, many alternative targets were sounded out, such as Cody Gakpo and Allan Saint-Maximin, with a deal for the latter not completely ruled out yet. Now, as per The Athletic, it seems they also made a late enquiry on the availability of Gordon.
The 21-year-old is a hot commodity in English football, with a plethora of top clubs interested in him, including Chelsea and Manchester United. Indeed, Gordon is Everton’s crown jewel following his stellar breakout season, and his sheer potential and talent have drawn several bidders this summer.
Earlier this summer, Tottenham Hotspur exhibited their interest in signing the winger in a package deal alongside Richarlison. While the Richarlison deal went through, Everton remained firm in their desire to keep Gordon. Then, Newcastle United to snap up the Englishman, but their £35 million bid was swiftly rejected as the Toffees were reluctant to sell their prized asset and relayed they will not entertain a sale this summer.
Soon after, Chelsea joined the bandwagon of suitors and are said to have had two bids rejected for the 21-year-old to date, the latest of which was worth in excess of £45 million. The west Londoners were said to be ready to offer a deal worth £60 million for Gordon. The £60 million price tag certainly appeared tempting, but Everton would not have enough time to find a replacement and were adamant about keeping their star winger at the club.
As per the latest reports, Chelsea are ready to work out a mega players-plus-cash deal. Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja have been included in the offer along with £25 million in cash, with a valuation of the total deal around a whopping £85 million mark.
It is clear to see why Gordon would have piqued Erik ten Hag’s interest and was on the list of alternative wingers if Manchester United’s pursuit of Antony had failed. The winger has a bright future ahead of him with multiple European clubs already showing interest in him. But the Manchester United faithful would feel they have dodged a bullet in Gordon, largely down to the astronomical price tag.
The 21-year-old has only scored five Premier League goals in 53 appearances. Prior to that, he had an unsuccessful spell at Championship side Preston North End. On the other hand, Antony, who has reportedly undergone his Manchester United medical, has already starred on the UEFA Champions League stage and is ahead in the learning curve compared to Gordon.
