EVERTON have opened talks with in-demand Anthony Gordon on a new bumper deal worth SIX times his salary.
And Frank Lampard’s Toffees may have to agree to a £75million release clause in a bid to ward off Chelsea and other suitors in January.
Everton valued Gordon at £60m over the summer, with Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly only prepared to go to £40m.
And Goodison chief Lampard yesterday confirmed contract talks are under way for the 21-year-old winger.
Lampard said: “The club is speaking with Anthony and Anthony’s people to see if we can get the right solution.”
Gordon, who was named in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad yesterday, signed a five-year contract in 2020 for £10,000-a-week and the pay rise could see his wage rise to £60k-per-week.
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Had the move to Stamford Bridge materialised then Gordon, who sees himself playing Champions League football, might have been looking at multiplying that wage by ten.
Everton, working under tight financial control, can’t afford that much with Yerry Mina the highest earner on £6m-per-year.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, out for a month with a thigh strain, is next in line, picking up £5m per annum.
Lampard has made no secret of his admiration for winger Gordon and dug his heels in when Chelsea came calling.
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Yet the club know that if the home-grown star keeps impressing then Chelsea – and other glamour clubs – will be back.
They want to ensure they cash in if and when that happens – while rewarding Gordon with a pay hike.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
