Anthony Gordon update as Newcastle United transfer target misses training for the third day

Anthony Gordon has failed to show up to Everton training for the third day in a row as Newcastle United continue their pursuit.

The 21-year-old was expected to return to Finch Farm this morning following his absence on Tuesday and Wednesday but according to Sky Sports, that has not been the case.

It would appear Gordon is attempting to force through a move to Tyneside, although rumours of him handing in a transfer request were played down this morning.

With Chris Wood’s departure to Nottingham Forest leaving Eddie Howe an attacker short, United have opened talks with Everton over the Liverpool-born forward but are yet to agree a fee.

The Toffees are hoping for closer to the £60million that Chelsea valued Gordon at in the summer. Newcastle, however, value the player closer to the £35m to £40m mark.

Gordon’s continued absence will only heighten speculation, but what we do know for definite is the player is very keen on a move to St James’ Park given all the current upheaval at Goodison Park.

The Toffees currently sit 19th in the Premier League table as supporters protest against the club’s ownership and board. Gordon, meanwhile, has struggled to replicate the form that saw him establish himself as one of Everton’s key players last year.

Howe was asked after Tuesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup first-leg semi-final win at Southampton if a deal for Gordon had progressed and said: “Honestly, I’ve got no idea. I’ve been preparing for the game. I wouldn’t comment on individual players anyway.”

The Magpies’ head coach is a huge fan of the player’s intensity, energy and work rate, three key traits that have seen Newcastle reach the last four of the League Cup and rise to third in the Premier League table.