Newcastle submit Anthony Gordon bid with Everton preparing to cash in, but fears they’re ‘falling into a trap’ prompts ‘strong’ Chelsea back-up plan

Newcastle have tabled an official bid to sign Everton forward Anthony Gordon and have received encouraging signs from the Toffees, though Eddie Howe’s side have formulated a ‘strong’ plan B involving a Chelsea winger, per reports.

The Magpies have now kept a remarkable 10 clean sheets in a row across all competitions following their 1-0 victory over Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night. Their rock solid defence has been the foundation upon which they’re thriving, though manager Eddie Howe does have concerns elsewhere.

Indeed, the Telegraph report central midfield was his main priority this month, though a lack of goals of late has turned the focus onto his front line. Three of their last five league matches have ended in 0-0 stalemates.

Chris Wood has departed for Nottingham Forest and a replacement in the final third was always likely to be signed this month.

Now, according to the Telegraph and Fabrizio Romano, an official bid has been tabled for Everton’s Anthony Gordon.

Neither source reveals the size of the bid, though it’s acknowledged Everton bid £35m for Gordon last summer and Everton’s valuation is £60m. Common sense would dictate the offer is somewhere between those numbers and likely towards the bottom of that range.

The 21-year-old has been a rare bright spark at Goodison Park over the last 18 months. His boundless energy and ability to beat players one-v-one appears a perfect fit for what Howe is building on Tynseside.

The Telegraph add Newcastle are ‘confident’ they’ll win the race that also involves Chelsea. The Blues can outmuscle Newcastle financially, though have already bought four forwards this month and may not see the need for another.

It’s claimed Everton are ‘willing to sell’ and Newcastle thus hope to conclude a deal before the weekend. The report cites ‘senior sources’ from over at St. James’ Park that claim progress has been made on the deal, though Newcastle are conducting their due diligence nonetheless.

Chelsea back-up plan holds ‘strong appeal’ at Newcastle

In other words, they’re wary of throwing all their eggs in the Gordon basket and as such, are exploring a move for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech in the event Everton shut up shop.

The 29-year-old appears a prime candidate to leave Stamford Bridge following their influx of new forwards. Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana have all arrived this month alone.

Newcastle’s interest in Ziyech is termed ‘strong’ and the idea of a loan move containing an option to buy reportedly holds  ‘strong appeal’ among the club’s recruitment team.

The nature of the reporting suggests it’d be one or the other for Howe, not both. However, it now seems certain Newcastle will land a more flexible replacement for Chris Wood one way or another.

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