Newcastle United’s £40m transfer target misses training as confidence of sealing deal grows

Anthony Gordon did not report for Everton training on Tuesday as talk of a potential move to Newcastle United intensifies.

The Magpies have opened talks with the Toffees for the 21-year-old as they eye a replacement for Chris Wood, who left to join Nottingham Forest last week.

Eddie Howe’s side had a bid rejected for Gordon in the summer but have reignited their interest this month as confidence grows over a possible deal.

According to Sky Sports, a bid of £40million could tempt Everton to sell.

Gordon himself is understood to be keen on a move to St James’ Park, though his absence from training was reportedly due to a planned absence.

Chelsea also retain a longstanding interest in Gordon but have already spent over £200m this month on Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Modueke.

One factor that could delay Gordon’s potential exit is the breakdown of Arnaut Danjuma’s loan move to Goodison Park. The Villarreal forward was set to join before Tottenham Hotspur hijacked the move.

Everton are currently without a manager after sacking Frank Lampard earlier this week. Former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is the current favourite to succeed the Chelsea legend.