Liverpool 'decide on Anthony Gordon transfer' as medical explored after Newcastle talks

Newcastle United were ready to sell Anthony Gordon to Liverpool earlier this month during transfer talks so advanced that a medical was being prepared, according to reports. Gordon has emerged as a serious target in Arne Slot’s first transfer window at Anfield, but the possibility of a deal is thought to have simmered for now.

Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs under financial pressure to sell players before June 30 to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

A failure to do so would risk a points deduction, which impacted Everton and Nottingham Forest last season and is likely to strike more clubs next term.

According to the Mail, offloading Gordon amid strong interest from Liverpool was an option that Newcastle explored despite signing him in a £45million deal from Everton just 18 months ago.

The 23-year-old winger was recently named Newcastle’s Player of the Season after registering 12 goals and 11 assists in his first full campaign on Tyneside.

He is said to be happy at St. James Park, is a popular figure and enjoys working with Eddie Howe. It remains to be seen whether he was interested in joining his boyhood club’s bitter rivals.

But discussions between Liverpool and Newcastle over his signature progressed so far that a potential medical in Leipzig was considered.

Gordon is currently in Germany after Gareth Southgate named him in his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 – a reward for an impressive season at club level.

He has so far been limited to a stoppage-time cameo in the Three Lions’ latest game against Slovenia, with Phil Foden preferred on the left wing.

The report adds that Liverpool were keen on striking an agreement but weren’t willing to accept the proposed deal, which involved Jarell Quansah going the opposite direction.

Liverpool are claimed to have no interest in the swap deal as they want to retain Quansah, who they consider a future England international.

The 21-year-old centre-back was named in Southgate’s preliminary training squad this summer but didn’t make the final cut.

Newcastle’s demands meant that Liverpool didn’t table a formal offer for Gordon, but there is reportedly a chance that talks will resume this weekend.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been touted as suitors as Luis Enrique searches for exciting attacking talent to fill the void left behind by Kylian Mbappe.

But with the PSR deadline set to pass on Sunday night, Newcastle will feel more comfortable keeping Gordon even if Liverpool reignite their interest.