Newcastle United transfer target Anthony Gordon may be forced to hand in a transfer request to get his move to St James' Park - as Everton refuse to come down with their demands for the star.
The 21-year-old could then lose any loyalty payments and the preference will be for Gordon to leave after the Toffees receive a huge bid to make the deal worthwhile in the eyes of supporters. Time is precious for Newcastle who don't value the player higher than £40million.
Everton insist that they still have interest from Chelsea who are willing to pay a higher fee but a bid from Stamford Bridge is yet to land on the table at Goodison Park. Managerless Everton would also be happy to hold on to Gordon given their plight in the Premier League.
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However, it feels like the player and his representatives may have to force the issue unless Everton buckle with their demands. Gordon's training absence yesterday was played down by club officials on Merseyside.
Allan Saint-Maximin back in the headlines in Europe
Sources in Italy have now suggested there was concrete interest from Europa Conference League holders AS Roma earlier in the summer with Jose Mourinho a fan of the exciting winger. But after front page headlines in Tutto Sport in Itay yesterday a report in FootMercato has linked Saint-Maximin with Milan.
Milan supremo Paolo Maldini kept his counsel with journalists yesterday but he is believed to be on a wanted list. Newcastle are keen to hold on to Saint-Maximin as they fight on two fronts.
Karl Darlow dilemma as window heads into final few days
Darlow got the nod on the bench for the League Cup semi-final and may well be considered for the same role for the second leg. Darlow is wanted by Hull and Huddersfield but knows that he could be a heartbeat away from the action in the League Cup last four clash - and possibly even the final as he stands by on cover for Nick Pope.
At 32, a place in a cup final squad doesn't come around every season he will be torn whether to go on loan or be part of any potential day out at Wembley. Regardless of interest from elsewhere Chronicle Live understands he has told Eddie Howe he will do what is best for the club rather than chase playing time.
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