Newcastle United are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of 21-year-old Everton attacker Anthony Gordon in the final days of the January transfer window.
Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Newcastle United are ready to ramp up their efforts to sign long-standing target Anthony Gordon. The Magpies plan to test the resolve of Everton to keep the talented playmaker in the final week of the transfer window.
Jones said to GMS, “Newcastle are ready to fast track their move for Anthony Gordon this month. They don’t know that Everton will sell now but they do know that the club aren’t in a good state financially, so feel it might be worth a try. It will be really intriguing to see if they can pull it off.”
Newcastle find themselves in a rare position, as they have a very realistic chance of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Despite their huge coffers, they may not have anticipated accomplishing that target in the 2022/23 season without having to spend a fortune. And qualification for that tournament will certainly be a big financial boost for them.
Despite this, Eddie Howe still needs a few more quality signings if they are to achieve their Champions League qualification dream in their first full season under their ambitious Saudi Arabian backers.
The Magpies are in the market for a versatile forward rather than a like-for-like replacement for Chris Wood, who has left to join Nottingham Forest. Recent reports have suggested the north-east giants have reignited their pursuit of Everton youngster Anthony Gordon after failing to land him last summer.
Gordon was the subject of multiple bids around the £60 million mark from Chelsea last summer following an impressive breakout season. But he ultimately stayed put at Goodison Park. However, the Toffees’ academy product has been unable to replicate his form from last season this time around and has fallen out of favour, managing just three goals in 18 appearances this term.
With prior reports claiming that the Merseyside club had trouble convincing Gordon to sign a new contract, the 21-year-old winger has been touted for a move away from Everton yet again. With Newcastle considering a move for him, he will have the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season as well as join a club on the rise rather than one fighting relegation and in complete turmoil.
Gordon is a talented player with a lot of redeeming qualities and would be a good fit for the Magpies given he is a right-footed winger who operates best off the left, and will give Saint-Maximin some competition. But it would be an underwhelming acquisition for Newcastle.
Yet, for a reasonable price, he could prove to be a solid signing for the Magpies, considering his tenacity, swashbuckling style, off-the-ball traits, and wicked left-foot delivery, which would suit Howe’s high pressing system. At 21, he still has plenty of time to develop even further. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. But it is safe to say that Newcastle could do well to aim higher if they are willing to spend big on an attacking reinforcement.
