Eddie Howe is set to secure Newcastle star Anthony Gordon with a pay rise and long-term contract extension, aiming to fend off interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

During the summer transfer window, Anthony Gordon was close to a surprise move to Anfield. With Newcastle needing to meet the Premier League’s financial deadline by 30 June, they offered Gordon to Liverpool. A £75 million fee was agreed, with Joe Gomez set to head the other way for £45 million. However, Newcastle instead opted to sell Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliott Anderson to Nottingham Forest, avoiding the need to part with Gordon.

The Englishman Seems To Have A Lot On His Mind

The Telegraph have reported that Gordon told England team-mates during Euro 2024 duty that the switch to his boyhood club Liverpool was ‘going to happen’ and it’s why his minutes for the Three Lions were limited.

After Gordon’s potential return to Merseyside fell through after having risen through Everton’s academy. Newcastle are now looking to offer him a new contract. The winger had an impressive 2023-24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing 11 assists in 48 appearances.

According to The Telegraph, both Gordon and Newcastle are eager to finalize fresh terms, but the contract talks are seen as another “distraction” for the 23-year-old.

Gordon’s form this season has faced criticism, with only one goal in six games. Observers have noted that “something is not right” with him, and it’s “starting to have a detrimental effect” on Eddie Howe’s side.

During Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham last weekend, Gordon’s body language was described as “troubling,” particularly when he was asked to switch from the left to the right flank in place of Harvey Barnes. England International is one of the club’s blue-chip players and is of high value. Retaining him is important, but getting him back to his best is paramount.

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If Gordon agrees to sign a new and improved deal, he will face significant pressure to perform. Failing to meet expectations could justify Newcastle’s desire to sell him in the future. It’s a classic risk-and-reward scenario that Gordon must carefully consider before deciding his next move.