90min journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Newcastle United have 'prepared a bid' for Premier League ace Anthony Gordon.
The Lowdown: Newcastle holding talks
Sky Sports reported that Eddie Howe's side are holding talks with the Toffees for the player's services, while it's believed that Everton could be tempted by a £40 million bid.
It was reported last summer that Chelsea were prepared to pay a fee of £60 million for Gordon, but a move never came to fruition.
In Everton's last five Premier League matches, Gordon has only featured on two occasions against Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while he has started just once since the start of November.
The Latest: Newcastle have bid 'prepared'
Bailey said that a bid has been prepared by Newcastle and that Everton will be listening to potential offers when speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, adding that Howe likes the look of him.
He stated: "Newcastle are preparing a bid. We understand that Chelsea are hovering, they're keeping abreast of this situation, so don't rule them out.
"Newcastle are at the front of this queue, though, and we've got to see how much they bid. Everton are willing, from what we understand, to listen to offers for Gordon now.
"What I'm told, Eddie Howe and his staff have done their homework on Gordon, they've liked what they've heard, thinking he'd be a good fit.
"He got a lot of stick for the bid from Chelsea etc but he didn't make the bid, he's a very talented footballer."
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The Verdict: Not the finished article
We believe that Newcastle should be cautious with their pursuit of Gordon, as he's still very young and definitely has room for improvement.
Former Everton boss Rafael Benitez claimed that the player 'couldn't run', but he was 'keen' to change his mentality when speaking to Sky Sports. The Spaniard also added that he was 'pleased' to see Gordon progressing as a player as he was a likeable person.
The thought to consider is whether he would be an improvement on what the Magpies have. We don't believe that would be the case in this particular instance.
Gordon, who has been hailed as a 'superstar', averages 2.67 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes over the last 365 days and 1.5 progressive passes received, however, this wouldn't be an improvement on Miguel Almiron, who's played 20 times in the Premier League this season.
Almiron has more shot-creating actions and received progressive passes in the same timeframe as the Everton ace, with the Paraguayan's numbers clocking in at 2.9 and 2.71 respectively.
Unless Howe is convinced on him and his ability to develop, we think Gordon would be one to avoid. Statistically speaking he wouldn't offer more on the wing than Almiron currently does and to spend £40m on a bench player would surely be money better spent elsewhere.