Manchester United made a play to sign Chelsea target Anthony Gordon, according to fresh reports.
The England under-21 international has been in high demand after a breakout season last term, with Everton reportedly holding out for £60m for the homegrown talent. Erik ten Hag's side may have more business left to do after agreeing a fee with Ajax for Antony, with the manager keen to strengthen despite back-to-back wins.
United have already spent more than £100m on this summer with the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro moving to Old Trafford. However, despite showing an interest in Gordon, a move for the youngster looks unlikely.
According to The Athletic, United made a late check with regards to the winger's availability, only to then refocus their attentions on Antony. The Brazilian will set the English club back around £84m, with Sao Paulo receiving a portion of the money as part of the deal which saw him leave the club to move to the Eredivisie in 2020.
Not only do United appear to be out of the running, but Chelsea might also be ready to look at other options. The same report indicates there is a "substantial gulf in valuation" between Thomas Tuchel's side and Frank Lampard's men, and reports elsewhere suggest the London side have been considering a move for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
It was expected that Chelsea would return with an increased bid after seeing a £40m approach knocked back. With just three days left in the transfer window, though, Gordon could now stay at Everton until January if not longer.
Where will Gordon be playing after deadline day? Have your say in the comments section
Gordon scored for Everton against Brentford at the weekend, but his goal wasn't enough to earn Lampard's team all three points. Vitaly Janelt equalised late on, ensuring Everton sit in the bottom three ahead of their Tuesday night game against Leeds United.
After the game, the youngster handed his shirt to a fan before waving towards the visiting supporters. Some interpreted this as a goodbye gesture, but Everton are thought to want a replacement secured before sanctioning a sale.
United, meanwhile, could still follow the move for Antony by bringing in Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven. The Dutchman failed to lead PSV into the Champions League group stage, and hinted at his future plans over the weekend.
“It’s going to be hectic, I think," Gakpo said, while suggesting Antony's move doesn't impact his own movements. "There is interest, but I have always said that the whole picture has to be right. It is a puzzle. I have to see which puzzle is the most correct.”
