Newcastle United should jump at the chance to sign Anthony Gordon from Premier League strugglers Everton even if they are quoted £40 million for the England U21 international, Danny Murphy tells talkSPORT.
There were occasions, around 12 months ago, when Gordon looked like the only player at Goodison Park capable of grabbing a game by the scruff of the neck and making something happen.
The 21-year-old academy graduate was one of the very few Everton players who could genuinely look himself in the mirror and say that he performed to his potential during a miserable 2021/22 campaign.
And while the current campaign has been much tougher from a personal perspective, Murphy feels that a move to a more coherent, well-run club with one of the top coaches in the game can be the making of the Liverpool-born forward.
Anthony Gordon wants to leave Everton for Newcastle United
“I can see it. I think it would be a brilliant signing (for Newcastle)” says former England midfielder Murphy. “I’m a big fan of his. He was Everton’s best player by a mile (last season).
“I have heard a couple of Everton fans talking about his work ethic, which I find absolutely bizarre. I’ve never seen him play and not give absolutely everything. His tracking back, his press, his work ethic is there.
“He’s got talent. He’s got lovely balance, he goes both ways, he can play off the right, off the left or as a ‘number ten’. His end product needs some work, but he’s 21. Under Eddie Howe, and in a good side, he could fly.”
In 42 Premier League starts, Gordon has just seven goals and two assists. You need only look at the influence Howe has had on the likes of Miguel Almiron at St James’ Park, however, to imagine how far a player with Gordon’s pace, directness and work ethic can go in black-and-white stripes.
According to The Chronicle, Gordon has been absent from training this week, while leaving Everton in no doubt about his desire to embark upon a new challenge up north. Newcastle reportedly feel a bid of £40 million could do the trick.
“Chelsea offered £60m and I thought that would be a bit over the top. But if Newcastle can get him for somewhere around the £30m mark, even £40m, I’d do it,” Murphy adds.
“In three or four years, he’ll be worth more than that. He’s a super talent.”
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