Anthony Gordon to Liverpool 'truth' as Newcastle United set to announce long-term deal

Gordon - last season’s Player of the Year - had netted just once in the Magpies’ opening six matches but was back to his best against Manchester City on Saturday afternoon as he converted a penalty to earn his team a point.

The 23-year-old endured an unsettling summer, barely kicking a ball for England at Euro 2024 while being the subject of interest from boyhood club Liverpool when United scrambled to raise funds in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Gordon’s body language was highlighted in the 3-1 defeat at Fulham and sceptics began to question if the winger had his head turned but Howe said: "I don't necessarily think there was a resetting or refocusing moment. It was more for Anthony getting the fitness that he had missed.

“The summer was difficult for him. Not only did he not play in the Euros. That has a physical cost. He had not played for a long period of time and then he had a really short pre-season with us. He had the two games with England during the international break, which helped him.

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“We did a lot of work with him last week and he looked a lot better for that, and we will continue to do that. It was more that than any transfer speculation. That story, not that I paid much attention to it, was slightly overblown in my knowledge of it.”

Gordon signalled his commitment to the Magpies last week with a new long-term contract set to be announced in due course. Newcastle fan group Wor Flags also showed their support at the weekend with a pre-match flag display that almost left the Scouser in tears.

“I've said many times how important it is that we keep our current players fulfilled and happy, and we can do that in a number of ways,” Howe added. “The main way for me is to keep progressing and improving, and the ambition of the club remains really strong. I think if players can see that, they will commit their futures because they feel we're going in the right direction as a club.

“Anthony's best years are ahead of him. He proved again on Saturday how good he is and how good he can be. I still feel there is more to come. His versatility and ability to play different attacking roles can only serve us well with the small squad that we have so I was delighted with him. I was delighted with the love that he got from the supporters. That feeling and bond is so important so a really big thank you to them for that."