Anthony Gordon takes Sky Sports reporter by surprise as Everton outcast arrives at Finch Farm
Sky Sports reporter Vinny O’Connor was left shocked [27 January] as Anthony Gordon was seen arriving at Everton’s training ground after he sat out three days of training at Finch Farm following strong interest from Newcastle United.
The 21-year-old forward has been the subject of much interest from the Premier League high-flying Magpies with both clubs in advanced talks over a £40million deal.
Gordon has reportedly missed three days of training [BBC Sport, 26 January] as a result, as he wishes to leave Goodison Park, and reports have suggested it is his priority [Fabrizio Romano, 26 January] this month having failed to do so last summer.
And speaking to viewers live on Sky Sports regarding the news that Sean Dyche is set to be appointed [26 January] as the new Toffees manager after positive talks with Farhad Moshiri, O’Connor was caught by surprise [26 January] after spotting Gordon arriving at Finch Farm.
After spotting the youngster’s car entering the ground, he said: “In fact, that’s Anthony Gordon just arriving so there is a bit of a surprise there.
It seems that Gordon has just made his way into the training ground here, so again an indication maybe that relations are actually soaring a little bit. Just as I say, it’s taken us a little bit by surprise.
“But further breaking news, that Sean Dyche is potentially the new Everton manager and now Gordon has just arrived at the training ground so something else that Dyche may be able to sort out is whether he can get Gordon back into the fold and utilise him as a major attacking option between now and the end of the season or whether indeed his future lies elsewhere.”
Waiting game
It remains to be seen whether Dyche can convince Gordon can wait until the summer to leave Goodison Park, with Newcastle in advanced talks to sign him this month.
The player has been wanting to leave for the best part of about eight months, so it’s unlikely he’ll be waiting another six months to finally depart. The Newcastle move is an opportunity he can’t afford to miss.
But if anyone can convince the player to stay and form a vital part of his setup is indeed Dyche. His persona and character are certainly capable of changing the player’s mind for the short term.
And why not wait it out another six months and see how things turn out at the end of the season, and then make the move? With the Magpies flying high right now, and on the cusp of something great this season, Gordon may stick to his guns.
He’d be a huge miss nonetheless, and with the transfer window closing on Monday, it’s unlikely Dyche will be able to locate a capable and arguably better replacement by the 31st for the 21-year-old winger.