Everton remain committed to fending off approaches for Anthony Gordon despite Chelsea submitting a bid for the 21-year-old.
The London outfit made an offer in excess of £40m for the academy graduate as top level talks continue between the clubs. Everton, however, have said they have 'no interest' in entertaining bids for the England Under-21 international - a position held since he was the subject of attention from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the summer.
But Everton's resolve is likely to be tested should Chelsea's pursuit of Gordon become sustained, with the club having secured a number of high profile signings already this summer.
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Amid some reports Gordon may favour a move the ECHO understands that, while ambitious, the player loves the club and fanbase and has not pushed to leave. His relationship with Frank Lampard - who has repeatedly spoken highly of him - is positive and the Blues boss is keen to retain his young star. Discussions over a new contract following Gordon's breakthrough campaign last season have taken place this summer, but the ECHO understands no formal deal has yet been offered for the player to consider.
Chelsea's interest in the Kirkdale-born attacker emerged over the weekend with the club initially valuing him at around £40m. Approaches have so far been rebuffed and Everton have since re-affirmed their intent to keep him even after Chelsea signalled they were prepared to go beyond their starting valuation.
Should Chelsea offer a sustained pursuit of Gordon, Everton's position is likely to be tested. Chelsea have already spent more than £150m this summer, including deals for Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucerella. The signing of teenage central midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa has shown the club is also targeting young, homegrown talent. Everton also need to strengthen in the remaining weeks of the transfer window. Lampard considered the squad light on attacking options before the injury that ruled striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin out of the opening weeks of the season. The first two Premier League games have provided further evidence of this, while a central midfielder is also being sought. In the striker Armando Broja and midfielders Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, Chelsea do own players Everton have tracked through the summer.
While Everton were on tour in the US, Gordon told the ECHO he was looking forward to his increased responsibility after a breakthrough season in which he played a key role in helping Everton escape relegation. He did so after emerging from the dressing room after the 4-0 defeat to Minnesota United to meet fans - a move he was intent on despite the difficult pre-season night the Blues has endured. He is said to love the club he has risen through and its supporters - who he once again took time to applaud at Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.
Equally, Lampard is known to view Gordon highly. Speaking in Washington DC during the pre-season tour, and after handing him the number 10 shirt for the upcoming season, he said: “He can be whatever he wants… he’s absolutely got all the talent, he’s got the right attitude… everything is there for Anthony.”
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