Anthony Gordon is set to become Newcastle United's first signing of the January transfer window, with a structured package in the region of £45 million now agreed with Everton. The Magpies look like they have got their man at the second attempt, having previously expressed an interest in the Toffees rising star last summer.
Newcastle have successfully negotiated down from Everton's reported price tag of £60m, and the transfer is expected to be completed this weekend. Reports on Saturday morning suggest Gordon may not be the only recruit this window, amid talk the Magpies have had an opening bid for West Ham prospect Harrison Ashby rejected.
Eddie Howe warned his squad could be left 'dangerously short' if a replacement for Chris Wood was not secured ahead of Tuesday's deadline. The United boss insisted any signing should be 'ready to play now', and one that can excite fans while not necessarily being a like-for-like alternative to the departed target man.
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Gordon certainly ticks the boxes above and more, having already made 78 senior appearances for the Toffees ahead of his 22nd birthday. The pacy attacker played a starring role in his breakout season last term to help Frank Lampard's side avoid relegation, and began the latest campaign in fine form despite intense speculation over his future.
The price tag will draw inevitable scrutiny, especially given Gordon's recent struggles which has often seen him benched during Everton's slide down the table. However, there can be no doubt that the owners will have delivered on Howe's public demand once the deal is confirmed.
It is also a move which satisfies Dan Ashworth's own remit for incomings, with the sporting director recently outlining his transfer vision on Sky Sports. The former FA technical director stressed the need to acquire 'potential', with FFP likely to prove a roadblock to sustaining the significant recruitment drives seen in the first two windows since the takeover.
Again, Gordon fits the bill in this regard, with the young forward still only in his second season as a regular top-flight starter. The incoming signing will provide a versatile option in both the starting eleven and from the bench, and he will no doubt benefit from being afforded the time to develop in a more settled environment.
If Newcastle announce Gordon's arrival before the beginning of next week, it will be the second significant deal to be confirmed in recent days. News of Kieran Trippier's contract extension on Friday came out of the blue, but was met with universal acclaim by supporters on social media.
Newcastle's first signing of the new era has arguably proven to be one of the most important, firstly helping lead the team to safety before playing a major role in the team's unexpected top-four push this term. Trippier will celebrate his 33rd birthday in September, but the veteran full-back has shown no signs of slowing down and is adamant he is currently playing the 'best football' of his career.
In the space of a few days, Newcastle have demonstrated the fine balance they must strike over the coming windows as Howe continues to overhaul his squad. Form and results this season has perhaps masked the fact the Magpies remain in the very early stages of a long-term rebuild.
Newcastle are not allowed to match the investment of the so-called 'Big Six' despite the vast resources at the owners' disposal. Boxing clever over the next few windows will be vital if the Magpies are to continually disrupt the division's settled elite.
Trippier is evidently a top-class performer for the here and now, with Ashby perhaps earmarked as his long-term successor. Gordon is 'ready to play' and contribute in the present, but also meets the criteria of a talent capable of growing with a squad that will hopefully deliver on the owners' lofty ambitions one day.
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