Anthony Gordon to Liverpool takes twist as 'swap deal' considered in transfer negotiations

Liverpool are reportedly willing to reprise their interest in former Everton star Anthony Gordon by offering a player-exchange deal to Newcastle. It is claimed that the England international would consider joining an exclusive group of players who have played for both Merseyside clubs.

Gordon was widely linked with Liverpool earlier in the window. However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insists that no talks have taken place between the two Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are keen to sign a new winger, particularly with the futures of Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah unclear. Gordon has impressed for Newcastle but could be sold to help the Magpies avoid a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations.

According to Sunday World, Liverpool are believed to be weighing up an offer that would see them include players in exchange for Gordon. The Reds are claimed to have been ‘encouraged’ to accelerate their interest in the 23-year-old.

Gordon’s previous history at Everton would make the move controversial on Merseyside. However, he is understood to have idolised the legendary former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard growing up.

Newcastle head coach Howe would like to keep Gordon. The forward, who bagged 23 combined goals and assists last season, has been given extra time off after being part of the England squad at Euro 2024.

“I’d welcome Anthony back with three arms if I had them. He’s an integral part of what we’re doing,” Howe said earlier this summer.

“We’ve had no conversations over the summer where it has been fractious or negative. He’s always been the Anthony Gordon who has given absolutely everything to Newcastle and I want to make that clear to all our supporters.

“Anthony needs a bit of a break but by the time he comes back, he’ll be ready to go. He’s such an important player for us. We didn’t want to lose anybody.

“Why would we want to lose our best players? We fought really hard to make the right decisions but in those last few weeks it was very, very difficult.”

It is unclear who Liverpool would offer in a potential player-exchange deal. New Reds boss Arne Slot has inherited a strong squad from predecessor Jurgen Klopp and will continue to strengthen in the summer transfer window.

Slot is yet to make his first signing but a winger is believed to be high on Liverpool’s agenda. The Reds could also sign a new centre-back.