Everton have rejected an opening offer from Chelsea for forward Anthony Gordon, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park after he enjoyed a breakout season under Frank Lampard, scoring four times and grabbing two assists in all competitions last term. He was a bright spark in a very underwhelming Everton side, who finished 16th after escaping relegation in their final home match.
Chelsea are in the market to strengthen their attack and have had a bid of around £40million knocked back by the Toffees. It is understood Everton are holding out for a minimum of £50m, which was the price they quoted Tottenham and Newcastle for the winger earlier this summer transfer window.
Neither team went back in to sign Gordon and Everton are keener than ever to keep hold of Gordon in the wake of Richarlison's £60million departure to Spurs. But Chelsea are the latest team to join the queue for the the Englishman and were disappointed to see their initial offer instantly rejected.
As the Blues deliberate going back with a second bid later this week, Everton have made their stance clear over their valuation of Gordon. But Chelsea could attempt to lower the Toffees' asking price by including the likes of Michy Batshuayi, Billy Gilmour, Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja in any potential deal.
Chelsea are keen to add another right-sided player to their ranks after Ruben Loftus-Cheek started at right wing-back in their draw against Tottenham on Sunday. While Gordon primarily operates as a left-sided attacker, the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin through injury has seen him operate as a false-nine in each of Everton's opening two Premier League fixtures this campaign.
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Thomas Tuchel is willing to let Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi leave Stamford Bridge this summer, while Christian Pulisic is also available. The German wants to play with a more fluid frontline following the departure of Romelu Lukaku and arrival of Raheem Sterling, and sees Gordon as a perfect addition.
Souness, meanwhile, believes £40m is too much for a player of Gordon’s experience, suggesting the Everton star has done little to prove to be worth such a figure. He told Sky Sports: "£40m for a 21-year-old who has played 51 times in the Premier League? He’s not set the heather on fire yet.
"He’s a dribbler and he’s quick enough. For me, he goes to ground a bit too easily but that’s a lot of money for someone who’s only played 50 games. It’s not screaming at you when you see him play that he’s going to be a top man."
