Newcastle United's move for Anthony Gordon has given the Magpies an opportunity to exorcise the ghosts of the past. Back in 2004, Freddy Shepherd launched an audacious bid to land Everton sensation Wayne Rooney - a deal that would have emulated the global coup when Alan Shearer joined the club back in 1996.
The Magpies had England regulars - Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas - on the books back then and they tried their best to persuade the former Everton superstar to come to ply his trade in front of the Gallowgate End.
As we know, Rooney opted to join Manchester United and the rest is history. He's regarded as one of the Premier League's best ever players and who knows what force Newcastle United could have become had he pulled on a black and white shirt.
READ MORE: Anthony Gordon transfer 'agreed' as Newcastle United look to complete deal for Everton star
It's that 'force' the current Magpies owners are looking to unleash on the Premier League and beyond. With Eddie Howe's side pushing for a European berth, all eyes are on the Toon as they continue their rebuild.
Gordon may not have the acclaim that Rooney had a similar age, but there can be no denying his quality. The England youth international was a huge factor in Everton's great escape last season, but the problems at the Toffees are continuing to bubble away.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Gordon back in the summer but it's Newcastle who look to have won the race for his signature. The Toon, unlike when they tried to sign Rooney, are seen as a viable destination for players to realise their potential and there is no better coach to currently thrive under, than Howe.
Newcastle are no longer seen as inferior to the likes of Everton, you need just to look back at Lewis Gibson's transfer to Goodison Park in 2017 as a sign of how the future at St. James' Park looked. The Toon are in a much better place, both on and off the pitch and are building the foundations for the future
It's on the pitch where Gordon will have to do his talking. Shearer has already been left impressed by his fearless attitude and that's no doubt something Howe will also be keen on working with.
To be able to bring in a talent so highly rated is testament to the work done by Howe and his staff this season.
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