Newcastle United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth is currently on the lookout for attacking reinforcements, and could reportedly make a move for Anthony Gordon.
The Magpies are reportedly interested in the Everton winger once again, having failed to sign him during the summer transfer window.
But the 21-year-old is back on Newcastle’s radar, with Eddie Howe desperate for an attacking player to join his squad after Chris Wood’s move to Nottingham Forest.
The 31-year-old’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Newcastle’s squad, and Ashworth is the man tasked with filling it.
Gordon would be an out of the box option to replace Wood. He is not a striker, but would give Howe more options in attack with his ability to play on either flank.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Newcastle believe Everton are more likely to sell their academy graduate now, while the imminent arrival of Arnaut Danjuma at Goodison Park could push Gordon out the door.
He is not a popular player among Toon fans, but he does have a big admirer in one of Newcastle’s chief decision makers – and his opinion could be the only one that matters.
Dan Ashworth keen on signing Anthony Gordon
According to TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Ashworth is a ‘big fan’ of the Everton youngster.
“Newcastle is the one I’ve been told to keep an eye on [regarding Anthony Gordon leaving Everton],” he said.
“Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, is a big fan, and Eddie Howe hinted last week when Chris Wood went to Nottingham Forest that they want an attacking player who would excite the fans.
“I would keep an eye on that one in the last nine days of the transfer window. It wouldn’t surprise me if Newcastle made a bid.”
In Ashworth we trust
Given Ashworth’s record in the transfer window, Newcastle fans’ fears regarding Gordon should be eased. The Toon chief is an expert at signing players with huge potential, and the current situation at Brighton is proof of that.
While he left the Seagulls at the start of the year, he is proving to be a big reason for their success right now. The likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Even Ferguson were brought to Brighton by Ashworth, and are currently thriving in the Premier League.
He has a serious eye for talent. Therefore, if he does decide to bring Gordon to St James’ Park then it is because he believes the winger can genuinely thrive in a black and white shirt.
With just over a week to go in the transfer market, there is not long left for Ashworth to make his dream come true and make Gordon a Newcastle player.