TalkSPORT hosts Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan have called Everton's asking price of £60 million for forward Anthony Gordon 'laughable' as Newcastle United try and whittle down the fee before the January transfer window closes.
The 21-year-old has notched three times this season for the Toffees and has been linked with a move to St. James' Park this month, although manager Eddie Howe is reportedly unwilling to pay anything over £40 million - meaning the deal is now unlikely to happen.
The Everton youngster has recently received much of the fan's anger directed towards him after what has been perceived as 'lazy' performances with the club slipping further and further away from safety.
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When asked if he thought Gordon would slot into Howe's plan for the Magpies, Murphy was certain he'd be fine though, as he said: "Oh yes, I can see it. I think it would be a brilliant signing. I’m a big fan of his. I watched him a lot last season and he was Everton’s best player by a mile.
"Although the bar was pretty low, wasn’t it," former Crystal Palace owner Jordan added as Murphy laughed in agreement.
"He’s started the season OK, but he’s not played a lot recently which has bamboozled me, because he threatens the goal," Murphy continued. "I have heard a couple of Everton fans talking about his work ethic, which I find absolutely bizarre because I’ve never seen him play and not give absolutely everything. His tracking back, his press, his work ethic is there.
"He’s got talent, he’s got lovely balance, he goes both ways, he can play off the right, off the left or as a No.10. He gets in there. His end product needs some work, but he’s 21.
"Under Eddie Howe and in a good side, he could fly. When Chelsea were interested in the summer they offered £60m and I thought that would be a bit over the top. But if Newcastle can get him for somewhere around the £30m mark, even £40m, I’d do it, because in three or four years he’ll be worth more than that. He’s a super talent."
Jordan admitted that despite Gordon's obvious upside, he's still not entirely certain that Gordon would work at St. James' Park.
"I get the vibe that Anthony Gordon’s attitude isn’t right and has not been right for some time," he added. "As Danny said, he hasn’t been on the pitch very much, and that might tell you something. I think there is a feeling that his attitude hasn’t been right since perhaps Chelsea first came in for him. It’s an unpalatable situation, but it’s the reality of the modern-day footballer, who grows up through your academy but times get tough and you don’t fancy it because a better opportunity comes your way.
"That might be me being a bit harsh, but when you need people, this is where you see those who stand up, and if what I said is right then Everton should look to cash in and get as much for him as they possibly can. But the £60m figure is laughable, it’s ridiculous. He’s not worth £60m. If they can get something around £30m or maybe £40m with add-ons, then maybe Everton can utilise that money and redirect it into areas that will help them get out of this predicament."
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