Transfer Talk: Everton lower Gordon asking price amid Toon interest

Everton are poised to drop their £60million asking price for Anthony Gordon after Newcastle threatened to walk away from the deal.

The Telegraph say the managerless Toffees are considering an offer worth £40m plus add-ons for their 21-year-old forward.

Gordon is said to want to leave his boyhood club, with the Mail reporting that he has missed training for the last three days but returned to Finch Farm this morning.

With Eddie Howe's men chasing Champions League qualification this term, the England Under-21s international is keen on the switch to St James’ Park.

The Merseyside outfit are resigned to losing their academy star and hope their reduced asking price will encourage the Magpies to make the move.

They are eager to free up funds for Frank Lampard’s successor, with a potential bid for Bologna striker Marko Arnautovic lined up.

Chelsea have renewed interest in Gordon after chasing him last summer, though it is indicated that a new right-back and central midfielder are the Blues’ priorities before the January window closes on Tuesday.

But with the winger’s price tag now reduced, it remains to be seen whether the West Londoners will make a last-gasp bid.

In other news

Arsenal have been told they will have to pay Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi’s £52.8m release clause if they want to sign the 23-year-old this month, say The Times.

The Mail have claimed Bournemouth are interested in Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, 23, with their move for Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson hitting a stumbling block.

Manchester United could make a £105m bid for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, 23, in the summer, according to Dutch media.