According to reports, Everton winger Anthony Gordon is currently “more unlikely than likely” to join Newcastle United over the next couple of days.
Gordon was at the centre of a transfer saga in the summer after he enjoyed a breakout season for Everton in 2021/22.
The academy product was one of their most important players last term as the Toffees just about did enough to avoid relegation down to the Championship.
Chelsea were interested in him during the summer but with Everton’s asking price set at £60m, a deal could not be agreed.
Gordon has been in and out of the team this season as he has netted three goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
Frank Lampard was sacked on Monday night and Gordon is keen to follow him out of the club. The attacker has not turned up to training in recent days amid new interest from Newcastle United.
Earlier this week, it was suggested that the Magpies are ‘confident’ of signing Gordon, who is still valued at £60m.
TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook is now reporting that Newcastle feels Everton’s £60m asking price is “ridiculous”.
“Anthony Gordon is expected back at training today, I think he’s made it pretty clear that he wants to leave,” talkSPORT’s transfer insider Crook said.
“Newcastle believe they’re the frontrunners but this is a constantly evolving story, it was one of the sagas of the summer.
“You’ve heard the price tag of £60m described as ridiculous and I think that’s right and so do Newcastle, they’re not going to pay that kind of money.
“So at the moment, I’d say this deal for Gordon is more unlikely than likely unless Everton get desperate towards the end of the window and lower their demands.”
Ally McCoist then called for Newcastle to give up on Gordon and target Leicester City’s James Maddison instead.
“Gordon is accused of not turning up for training and I don’t know about that,” McCoist said.
“There’s something happening, clubs are talking, agents are talking, because if he just wasn’t turning up for training he’d be getting fined.
“I think he’s a talented player, but is he the type of player that Everton need right now to stay up?
“I think they need a group of players that are going to roll their sleeves up and run and be committed and work for each other and the fans, and I’m not sure he’s that type, so it might be beneficial for them to take the money.
“From Newcastle’s point of view, I’d pay another £20million for James Maddison.”
Maddison was targeted by Newcastle in the summer. He was rated at £60m at the time but his value will decrease in the coming months with his contract up in 2024.
READ MORE: Newcastle interest suggests we were wrong about £40m Anthony Gordon, not Chelsea
