Liverpool dealt transfer blow as Anthony Gordon offered pay rise and long term deal

Anthony Gordon is close to signing a new six year deal at Newcastle - in a blow to Liverpool’s transfer hopes.

The England winger is finalising the final details of a deal to keep him on Toon until June 2030 - and Howe says once it is signed he can “settle and concentrate on his football.” Gordon had his head turned by Liverpool’s interest in him during the Euros when Newcastle considered selling because they needed to raise £65m to avoid a points deduction.

Howe always wanted to keep Gordon who has become a leading player since quitting Everton for £40m.

He has been under par and "frustrated" for the Geordies this season. A new deal will see him paid on a par with the club’s top earners - and include a clause to ensure interested clubs have to pay a transfer fee of £80m-plus.

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The 23-year-old has also caught the eye of Arsenal, and could still fancy a move to a Champions League club if Newcastle fail to click this season and get into Europe, or show more ambition to strengthen themselves.

Howe said: “You're asking me to comment on something that hasn't happened. With the potential of looking silly if it doesn't.

“We love Anthony. We'd love him to commit his future here. We'd love him to stay long-term at Newcastle and continue his excellent start to his career here. When you look at the broader piece of what he's done since he's arrived at the football club, I think he's been magnificent for us. We need to try and help him get back to his very best levels. And if that means signing a new contract, then I'm all for that, to help him be settled and concentrate on his football.

“He is still the same lad - focused on his career, wants to do well and perform. He was frustrated, like others, last week and sometimes that manifests itself in various ways. I was frustrated too, everyone else was. We have to be mindful of that.

“We love Anthony and want him to commit his future here and stay at Newcastle. Looking at what he has done here, he has been magnificent. We need to help him get to his best levels.” Winger Gordon is also acting as Newcastle’s “third striker” behind Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson. Howe added: “He is more of a drifter in terms of his position. He has pace to run in behind and link play.”

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