Everton have simply got to hold onto Anthony Gordon before transfer deadline day passes, according to Tim Howard.
But if he can't be kept at Goodison Park, ex-Blues goalkeeper Howard says his former club must get a worthy return on him.
Gordon has been subject to intense interest from Chelsea over the past two weeks, but a rumoured £60million offer has failed to materialise. The 21-year-old demonstrated his worth once again on Tuesday evening, scoring Everton's goal in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
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Speaking to NBC after the match, retired USA international Howard said: "They've got to keep Gordon, they've got to keep him. And if they don't what I would say is, with the players they've bought in they have to get something in return as he goes to Chelsea."
Late last week, Gordon's exit from Merseyside looked inevitable, but Blues boss Frank Lampard has now indicated that the moment may have passed for a move to Stamford Bridge, in this transfer window at least, much to his relief.
Speaking after the draw at Elland Road, Lampard said: 'Yeah I don't have to worry about him anymore. You know there's a couple more days. You saw the worth he is to this club, attitude amazing and I always I told him from the day I joined the club I want more goals from you because, he's got everything.
"An attitude and ability, speed, and great finish. And that'll give him confidence to carry on with that. And we're playing games at the minute without a striker, an out an out striker as such. So we need that input from our wingers."
Everton are still winless after five matches of the new Premier League season, the point earned at Leeds was their third consecutive draw. The Blues will face local rivals Liverpool next in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park at Saturday lunchtime.
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