'No secret' - Scotland 'aim' to pounce on Newcastle United star's England snub ahead of Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate may have to move quickly if he plans on bringing in-form Newcastle United midfielder Anthony Gordon into the England set-up with interest in his international services growing from Scotland.

The former Everton man has stepped up to lead an injury-ridden Magpies side with goals but still isn't part of Southgate's immediate plans for the Three Lions. Gordon has been a prominent figure in the national side's youth set-up, winning the Euro Under-21 tournament with the side this summer.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke and his deputy, former Newcastle United coach John Carver, have already courted Elliot Anderson, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento, who could all qualify to be part of the Scotland set-up. Gordon was born on Merseyside but could represent the nation through his paternal grandparents.

The winger's eligibility is not news for Scotland, but the national side had presumed he would be well out of reach. However, the latest England snub has ignited interest. Geordie Scotland assistant Carver has admitted that the team is actively looking to pinch any future stars ahead of next year's Euros.

He said: “If someone’s got a relation who is Scottish, then we have to look at it. It’s then down to what he decides but we are aware that these are big decisions about their future. It’s no secret that Newcastle is my team and I watch them more than anybody. We are aware they have several outstanding players, who have never been capped by England at senior level, who qualify for Scotland.”

Southgate did name-check Gordon as one of the England stars unlucky to make the squad for this week's meetings with Malta and North Macedonia. Speaking about his selection, the manager said: “There's no question Raheem is looking dangerous for his club. He looks invigorated since the start of this season and, as I said, there are a few players that aren't in this squad for whom either they're injured or the door is absolutely open. We'll always be open to that.

“You look at Jarrod Bowen, who has seven goals this season already, Anthony Gordon is playing very well at Newcastle as well, Cole Palmer is starting to play well. So it's just a changing landscape there.”