ANTHONY GORDON has told Everton he has no intention of returning to the club as he tries to force a transfer away, according to reports.
The winger is wanted by Newcastle, who are in talks with the Toffees over a potential deal.
The Daily Mail report that the Toon could have to pay £55million for his services.
Gordon has not been in attendance at Everton’s Finch Farm training ground over the last three days, the first was a planned absence.
The 21-year-old is a boyhood fan of the club but he wants out in January with the manager-less team in turmoil.
The player has another 18 months left on his contract but they will reportedly hold out for as high a fee as possible.
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Chelsea showed plenty of interest in the summer, having multiple bids turned down worth a supposed £60m.
Gordon has featured 18 times for the Merseyside club this season, scoring three goals.
However, he has not started any of Everton’s last five matches in all competitions and was an unused substitute when they were chasing a goal in the 2-0 loss to West Ham.
Everton are languishing in 19th in the Premier League table, joint-bottom with Southampton having sacked Frank Lampard as boss.
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And selling Gordon could hand any new manager money to spend in the transfer market, with the squad needing reinforcing to stay in the Premier League.
The likes of Sean Dyche, Marcelo Bielsa and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have been linked with the vacant role, but days are running out for them to make the most of the transfer market.
Newcastle have plenty of cash to spend after investment from mega-rich Saudi Arabian owners.
However, Eddie Howe was tight-lipped on any potential arrivals just a few days ago when he said, “I can tell you absolutely nothing,” on signings.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
