Liverpool have reportedly not yet given up hope of bringing Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon to Anfield and are planning a second bid for the winger.
While the ex-Everton starlet plays a bit-part role for England at Euro 2024, Liverpool are believed to be pushing hard to bring him back to Merseyside after his rise to prominence with Eddie Howe's side.
Gordon was responsible for 12 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, including 11 goals and 10 assists in 35 Premier League contests, form which earned him a spot in England's Euros squad.
Despite his Everton connections, Liverpool are intent on reuniting with their former academy product, who started out in the Reds system before being released at the age of 11, prior to his Goodison Park arrival.
Gordon only has two years left to run on his contract at St James' Park, having not signed an extension since his arrival in January 2023, but the Magpies remain determined to keep him on the books.
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Liverpool told to pay 'huge' Gordon fee
According to Football Insider, Liverpool have already seen one approach for Gordon rejected by Newcastle, who were keen to receive centre-back Jarell Quansah as part of the agreement.
The Reds had no interest in parting ways with their academy defender, even though it would have helped to drive the price down, as they are only interested in a straight-cash deal for Gordon.
A second bid is believed to be imminent, but Liverpool will have to fork out at least £75m and potentially as much as £80m up front for Gordon, who could eventually command a £100m fee with add-ons.
That figure could prove problematic for Liverpool, although Gordon is reported to be 'very keen' to a move back to Anfield, despite being cut from the Reds' academy ranks as a schoolboy.
The 23-year-old's future is unlikely to be resolved until England's Euros campaign comes to an end, which could be as early as Saturday, as the Three Lions take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
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Newcastle's plan to ward off Liverpool's interest in Gordon reportedly involves agreeing a new lucrative contract with the attacker, who boasts 13 goals and 11 assists for Howe's side in 64 matches.
Gordon to replace Luis Diaz at Liverpool?
Liverpool are not bereft of options on the left-hand side of attack, as Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are all capable of doing a job on that side; the former has proved as much at Euro 2024.
However, new head coach Arne Slot is thought to be planning to deploy Gakpo in a central role for the whole of next season, while it is still unclear what the future holds for Diaz, who has long been linked with Barcelona.
The ex-Porto man has insisted that he remains "happy" at Anfield, but there have been no talks over a contract extension, as he is still under the same terms that he signed when he joined in January 2022.