Everton winger Anthony Gordon is back on Newcastle United’s radar, Chronicle Live understands. Gordon is among the attacking options on Newcastle’s radar this summer and had a bid rejected earlier in the window.
The Magpies have also had offers rejected for the likes of James Maddison and Jack Harrison but after those pursuits hit an impasse, they may now be set to return for Gordon. The 21-year-old has established himself as a key player for the Toffees under Frank Lampard which has already prompted interest.
Everton are reluctant to lose their star youngster this summer, and Lampard has already insisted earlier in the window that he is not for sale. But with Newcastle set to launch another move for Gordon, Chronicle Live has taken a look at some of Lampard’s most stand-out quotes on Gordon, showing just how highly he rates him.
READ MORE: Newcastle United transfers state of play: Anthony Gordon back on Toon radar
Comparisons to Mason Mount
Ahead of a meeting between Chelsea and Everton in April, Lampard likened him to Chelsea’s Mason Mount. He said: “Anthony is a great kid and possesses one of the greatest young attitudes I’ve experienced in the game. We’re playing against him this weekend and he’s very similar to Mason Mount.
“Very similar in his attitude, application, his talent levels and he’s fine this week, he’s determined, that’s what he is.”
Ability to play central
Speaking on Saturday, Lampard spoke of his decision to play him as a striker due to Gordon’s ability on the ball. He said: "I thought he [Gordon] did well. I didn’t have a load of options, Anthony or Demarai or Dele, it was a choice of taking Anthony because his attributes of speed in central areas to drop between lines and turn quickly would be a problem for them. For me the mobility of the front three was good off the ball.”
Why he was handed number 10
Gordon was handed the number 10 shirt at Everton last month and Lampard discussed why he feels he deserved it. He said: “He’s worked for it (the new squad number). You have to earn the number 10. I understand this desire for numbers with players.
“I was fortunate, I kind of fell into a number eight in my career. I didn’t go searching for it but I understand how it can feel important to you. But I absolutely feel now, especially with the 10 because it has a little bit of magic to it, a bit of flair, and Anthony’s got that.
“He has it in his own style. I’ve said to him, I don’t want him to try and think he’s doing pirouettes on the halfway line now. We need him doing what he was doing last year plus goals plus assists which Anthony is so hungry to do. But he’s earned it absolutely and he’s a link to the crowd, a link to the fans, a local boy who gives everything, a great talent.
“He’s going nowhere. He’s our player and that was a hugely-important thing to me, he’s the sort of player we want to build to go forward with. I’m delighted that he’s got his number 10 but now I want him to continue to earn it.”
READ NEXT:
- James Maddison sends reminder as Leicester boss Rodgers reacts to Newcastle's 'big investment'
- Bruno shows Sven Botman what he has to do as powerful message sent to Newcastle dressing room
- Happiness, ambition and trust: Eddie Howe and Newcastle United's owners tick all the boxes
- Allan Saint-Maximin warning and Newcastle change which could bring best out of Miguel Almiron
- Alan Shearer names Newcastle United pair in Team of The Week after win over Nottingham forest
