Frank Lampard has already stressed that Anthony Gordon is ‘going nowhere’ amid reports that Chelsea have bid for the Everton winger.
Sky Sports reported that a £40million offer has been tabled following the 2-2 draw between Thomas Tuchel’s side and Tottenham as the Blues manager continues to revamp his squad under new owner Todd Boehly. The offer will test the waters at Goodison Park, with those in charge on Merseyside wary of losing another attacking star after selling Richarlison to Spurs for £50million.
But Toffees boss Lampard has already warned any potential suitors that the 21-year-old is not for sale this summer, adding that he wants to build a squad around the boyhood Evertonian after giving him the No. 10 shirt.
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“He’s worked for it (the new squad number). You have to earn the number 10,” Lampard told evertontv in July. “I understand this desire for numbers with players. I was fortunate, I kind of fell into a number eight in my career.
“I didn’t go searching for it but I understand how it can feel important to you. But I absolutely feel now, especially with the 10 because it has a little bit of magic to it, a bit of flair, and Anthony’s got that.
“He has it in his own style. I’ve said to him, I don’t want him to try and think he’s doing pirouettes on the halfway line now.
“We need him doing what he was doing last year plus goals plus assists which Anthony is so hungry to do. But he’s earned it absolutely and he’s a link to the crowd, a link to the fans, a local boy who gives everything, a great talent.
“He’s going nowhere. He’s our player and that was a hugely-important thing to me, he’s the sort of player we want to build to go forward with. I’m delighted that he’s got his number 10 but now I want him to continue to earn it.”
Gordon has played the full 90 minutes on both of Everton’s games so far this season, including the 1-0 loss to Chelsea on the opening weekend. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin injured and Salomon Rondon yet to start, the Blues talisman has been deployed in a range of roles including a false-nine.
Everton are under no obligation to sell Gordon, with a contract running until 2025.
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