Everton chairman Bill Kenwright is wary of the public criticism he will face should Anthony Gordon leave the Toffees this summer, amid interest from Chelsea and Newcastle United.
Kenwright wary of criticism if Everton sell Gordon to Chelsea, Newcastle
According to Chronicle Live, Bill Kenwright does not want to face public criticism for selling Anthony Gordon. The Toffees chief is wary of the backlash that supporters could kick up if the 21-year-old were to leave Goodison Park through the final weeks of the summer sales.
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Everton have already fended off interest in the forward from Newcastle United during the current window. The Toon continue to monitor developments on Merseyside, but are not actively pursuing a deal for the Toffees product after falling short with their earlier offers.
Interest from Chelsea has also seen Newcastle take a step back from pursuing Gordon with negotiations underway with Everton. The Stamford Bridge outfit started discussions with a £40m bid on Sunday night, before increasing their proposal to £45m in the hopes of a deal.
Everton are reluctant to lose Gordon, but are expected to cave in should Chelsea or a rival suitor submit a larger offer. And iNews claim Blues owner Todd Boehly could go as high as £50m for the England U21 forward with four goals from 51 career Premier League outings.
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Newcastle offered Everton £35m earlier this summer, as Eddie Howe explored his interest in signing Gordon, per Chronicle Live. Reports by The Sun in June also claimed Tottenham Hotspur bid £80m, plus £20m in add-ons, to sign Gordon alongside a move for Richarlison.
In the end, only Richarlison moved to north London for an initial £50m, rising to £60m with add-ons. Gordon, meanwhile, has started the new Premier League campaign with starting roles in Everton’s defeats to Chelsea and Aston Villa, and is yet to score or lay on an assist.
The Liverpool-born livewire last struck the back of the net during a top-flight game in April against Manchester United. He also last laid on an assist – just Gordon’s third in a Premier League fixture – during the Toffees’ 3-0 win over Leeds United in February before scoring.
Now, Gordon’s rise at Goodison Park could see Chelsea swoop and pay Everton £50m for their academy product. One who is under contract on Merseyside until 2025, and has been the subject of some lavish praise by Newcastle’s all-time top-scorer Alan Shearer, as well.
“A young man that has been causing quite a bit of excitement is Anthony Gordon,” Shearer told the Premier League’s YouTube channel. “Everton fans have really gotten behind the winger who has shown passion and plenty of ability in what has been a tough season.
“I’ve personally been impressed by his fearless attitude. He’s not afraid to get stuck in and he tries to make things happen going forward, putting plenty of crosses into the box.”
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