Fresh details emerge around Newcastle United £45m January transfer swoop

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Anthony Gordon has revealed he was “desperate” to join Chelsea - five months before moving to Newcastle United.

Chelsea - at the time managed by incoming England boss Thomas Tuchel - reportedly had a £45million bid rejected by Everton. Then, come January, with Tuchel no longer in charge of the Blues, Newcastle swooped in to to sign the winger.

“It was quite close, to be honest,” admitted Gordon. “I was desperate to go at the time and work with him especially. I felt like my style would suit his style of play, the way he was playing at Chelsea which was very exciting for me.

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“It didn’t end up happening. It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t end up happening and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later.”

Tuchel, who will begin his England role in January, made his admiration known to Gordon after Chelsea beat Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park on the opening day of the 2022-23 season - the same summer he tried to sign him.

“I spoke to him after the game,” Gordon recalled. “I shook his hand and that was about it, he said some really complimentary things to me that I’ll keep to myself.

“I felt a lot of warmth from him which then in turn made me really want to play for him but I didn’t get that chance.”

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Gordon struggled during his opening six months on Tyneside but responded emphatically last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists on his way to being crowned the club’s Player of the Season.

His form earned him a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad and last month signed a new long-term contract at St James’ Park.

Gordon said: "I just think the club's in a great place. Since the takeover it's just been up and up. Me and the gaffer are a perfect match in terms of style of play. I love it here.

"I'm very happy here, I like living here, the team is very suited to me - and I'm here to win a trophy. The short story is we need to win a trophy. Winning a trophy here would be unbelievable because the fans have waited so long. To be part of that team who finally does it is a massive goal of mine.

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"We (my family and I) have always felt settled because Geordies are so easy-going and so welcoming, very easy to speak to and always want the best for you. It's a very easy place to come and live, I think. I feel very connected to everyone - teammates, fans and everyone involved."

He is expected to start for the Three Lions as they take on Greece in the Nations League this evening.

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