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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Michael Ball

What Everton must do before sanctioning Anthony Gordon sale as transfer pressure builds

Anthony Gordon's situation is always a difficult one, but we've been here before. Top quality players are always going to be linked with moves away.

Everton knew for a year that Richarlison would probably be leaving the club, so they had to have targets lined up. If Gordon does leave, it's a bit of a bonus financially, but they need to have people lined up and ready to go.

The deals need to be sorted now, they don't want to be held hostage or paying over-the-odds for somebody else. It defeats the object.

READ MORE: Frank Lampard gives Neal Maupay squad update as second big Everton decision looms

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Of course Frank Lampard wants Anthony to stay, he wants to develop him. We've asked a lot of him over the last few months since he's had a good run in the team and Frank has had hardly any opportunity to rest him.

Anthony's been key for us, he's probably played a lot more minutes than you'd usually expect, so he'd be a huge loss if he left the football club. The recruitment team need to have people lined up if he does leave.

I'd be sad to see him go, but if his exit can help reinforce the team with strong quality then it's probably best. If he stays, he's the type of character to get his head down and keep working hard.

If a deal does happen, I really do hope that we've got deals in principle and are ready to move. We know the last days of a transfer window can get busy, but we don't want any panic buys.

Set piece concerns

Recently I'd been more relaxed watching us on set pieces, defensively we've looked a lot stronger. So it was really disappointing to see that lack of concentration on Saturday.

The coaching staff have worked really hard in pre-season, but that's what happens. Tiredness creeps in, that concentration drops.

This season we've seen a huge improvement in that department, but the lads have to keep doing their job. As soon as you switch off in the Premier League, you get punished.

We'll be disappointed at how we conceded that goal.

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