Everton will not sell winger Anthony Gordon 'unless they absolutely have to’, claims ex-Premier League shot stopper Paddy Kenny.
The Lowdown: Gordon interest
According to a report by Football Insider, Newcastle have submitted a £35m bid for the 21-year-old this summer.
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham side, who have already lured Richarlison away from Goodison Park in recent weeks, are also said to be interested in the youngster.
Gordon, who has three years left on his Toffees contract, made a name for himself last season, making 35 appearances in the English top-flight for Frank Lampard’s side.
The Latest: Kenny’s claim
Kenny insists that Gordon is a fan favourite at Everton and that he will not be sold this summer, unless the club has no other choice.
Reacting to Newcastle's interest in a chat with Football Insider, the 44-year-old claimed: “You hope they don’t have to sell him, it would be controversial.
“They definitely won’t want to sell him, we know that. It’s whether they have to sell him. We all know the financial situation at Everton.
“But he is loved there and I’m sure they would rather sell other players instead of Gordon.
“He needs to stay there and improve under Lampard at his hometown club. They won’t sell him unless they absolutely have to, I’m certain of that.”
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The Verdict: Crucial to keep
When analysing the attacker’s underlying numbers, it is clear to see why Gordon is being tipped to play a crucial part in Lampard’s XI next season.
Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 21-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks, in the 96th percentile for tackles and in the 94th percentile for pressures (via FBRef) - he is a pressing machine on the flank.
With former Premier League ace Fabrice Muamba claiming that Gordon won’t be with the Toffees for long as he was Everton’s ‘best player’ at times last season, the Blues should do everything they can to keep the youngster at Goodison Park, otherwise this could be a disastrous window for the club.