Everton left stunned as Anthony Gordon makes Newcastle United ‘demand’

Anthony Gordon has reportedly told Everton he has no intention of returning in a bid to force through a move to Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old has missed the last three days of training at the Merseyside club’s Finch Farm base - with only one of those days (Tuesday) a planned absence.

Gordon was expected to attend training this morning but his non-appearance has prompted further speculation about his future.

And according to the Daily Mail, the forward has told the Toffees he has no plans to return with the Magpies locked in talks to sign him before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

United are yet to agree a fee for Gordon with Everton setting an initial asking price close to the £60million that Chelsea valued the player at in the summer.

That is despite the former Preston North End loanee struggling to replicate the standout form he showed last season to help keep the Toffees in the Premier League.

He has started once since the World Cup break and has scored just three goals in 16 appearances all campaign.

There has been a lot of upheaval at Everton in recent weeks. Supporters have stepped up their protests against the club’s board after falling into the relegation places.

Indeed, Gordon was one of the players targeted as Blues fans protested outside of Goodison Park following the 2-1 defeat to Southampton almost a fortnight ago.

Some surrounded and screamed at Gordon’s car after road blockers were put in the way of it.

Everton are currently without a manager after sacking Frank Lampard earlier this week. Marcelo Bielsa and Sean Dyche are the favourites to step in.