Frank Lampard's Everton departure could open the door for Newcastle to make a move for Anthony Gordon. The former Blues boss was relieved of his duties on Monday afternoon, with the Magpies linked with a £40million approach for the Toffees playmaker.
The Everton academy graduate played a big part in avoiding relegation last season, but with no sign of their fortunes improving, Newcastle have once again been linked with a move for the midfielder. Lampard, who was appointed this time last year, had spoken at length about keeping Gordon at the club and building a team around him going forward.
The 21-year-old has been a mainstay in Everton's starting XI this season, but like the rest of team, has struggled to find the form that propelled them to safety last season. The Blues youngster was among a number of players confronted by supporters at full-time following their defeat to Southampton.
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Supporters staged a sit in protest against the owners, who they believe are the reason behind the club's struggles. Owner Fahrad Moshiri has invested a huge amount into the playing squad, but very few of those investments have hit the mark.
Lampard is the seventh manager to be sacked by the club under Moshiri's tenure. Back in the summer, Lampard was adamant that Gordon would not be sold, stating: "You have to work to get the number 10 shirt and Anthony has done that. He's a link to the crowd, a link to the fans, he's a local boy and a great talent. He gives everything and is going nowhere - he is our player.
"That was something that's hugely important to me he's the sort of player we want to build going forward with and I'm delighted that he's got his number ten but I want him to continue to earn it."
However, the club's stance on that could have changed, with Lampard offering a blunt response to questions over Gordon's future following defeat to West Ham. "There's a little bit of speculation concerning Anthony Gordon and a possible move to Newcastle," one reporter said to Lampard. "He obviously didn't make it off the bench today. Can you shed any light on that?"
To which Lampard bluntly replied: "No. Sorry, no." Before he had even answered his question, the Chelsea legend was up out of his seat and heading for the door.
It's unclear whether Gordon himself is open to a move away from Goodison Park in January. His summer stance was firmly on staying at his boyhood club.
"That’s (speculation) part and parcel of football,” Gordon told reporters after England U21s 3-1 win over Germany in the summer. “When you’re doing well there’s always going to be speculation. But the place is so good that it’s never been a case of being desperate to leave Everton."
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