Everton forward Anthony Gordon is holding out for wages of £100,000 a week because he could earn that money elsewhere, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Gordon shining at Everton

The 21-year-old has already grown into one of the Toffees' most important players under Frank Lampard, providing quality in the final third and a battling mentality.

Gordon has three goals to his name in the Premier League this season and has always been a threat with his direct running and unpredictability out wide, with the winger being called 'different class' by teammate James Tarkowski.

The youngster was linked with a big-money move to Chelsea during the summer and contract talks at Everton have stalled, with his representatives wanting £100,000 per week.

The Latest: Journalist makes wage claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown explained that other teams would be happy to offer Gordon such wages - acting as a potential problem for Lampard and Everton:

"I can understand it. I'm sure a lot of people will think, at his age that, he shouldn't be reaching for the stars too quickly. A lot of people will say players of that age shouldn't get rewarded too much too soon. But it's clear he could be earning that somewhere else if he was to leave."

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The Verdict: Is he worth it?

We think losing Gordon would be an undoubted blow for Everton, not only because he is already an influential presence, but because he should only improve in the coming years.

However, whether or not the forward is playing to a level that justifies earning such huge wages is up for debate given his record of just seven goals in 71 appearances.

Granted, there will be other teams who would happily pay Gordon £100,000 a week, but they can afford it and avoid being adversely affected if the transfer doesn't pay off. Whereas, it would be a far bigger financial risk for Everton, so the hope is that there can be some sort of compromise.