Anthony Gordon to Newcastle gathering pace as Howe hints at PL signings amid Everton links

Over the summer, Newcastle's interest in Anthony Gordon was well documented, with Sky Sports announcing that we'd approached Everton over a £35m deal back in July.

The Telegraph, The Athletic and The Chronicle confirmed our interest, with the latter reporting that Dan Ashworth held ‘high level talks’ with Kevin Thelwell – Everton’s director of football – to find out what it would take to bring the 21-year-old to Tyneside.

Six months later, it seems the winger is well and truly back on our radar. Luke Edwards (Telegraph) revealed yesterday that he's on the agenda once again, while The Mail report that we're lining up a fresh move for the England U21 international after sensing a change in stance from Everton; who were previously reluctant to sell their local lad over the summer.

Then you have Eddie Howe's comments earlier today. He hinted that our Chris Wood replacement won't be a like for like - suggesting a more versatile forward could arrive - and talked up the importance of us signing someone "ready to play now".

Considering reports have signalled Howe's preference for Premier League players who can play "straight away", you wonder if these comments are a coincidence on a day where Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been linked alongside Gordon?

For me, Gordon isn't a particularly appealing option. He works hard, is still very young and can play down either flank, but he's likely to cost more than he's worth, he doesn't come across well, loves a dive and has been a big disappointment for Everton this season.

However, if he's the man Howe, Ashworth and our recruitment team want, I'll trust their judgement based on our impeccable record in the transfer market since new owners arrive.