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Everton will only sell Anthony Gordon if an ‘absolutely ridiculous’ offer arrives this summer, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Exit links

The 21-year-old was a rare bright spark in a disappointing Toffees outfit last season, featuring 35 times for the first team in the Premier League in a breakout season with four goals and two assists.

As a result of his stunning form in helping the Blues escape the drop, a number of rumours have emerged linking the winger with a move away from Goodison Park.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte is said to be interested in a move for the youngster, after seemingly having secured the signing of Blues star Richarlison for an initial £50m fee.

The Latest: ‘Ridiculous money…’

Having faced so many issues over the past year, Jones believes that Gordon’s departure is the last thing Everton need ahead of the new season, claiming Spurs or any other suitor will have to break the bank.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, he said: “Everton have had so many problems over the last couple of seasons, especially with the relationship between the club and the fanbase.

“So, if they were to get rid of Anthony Gordon there would be uproar, so I don’t believe they will sell Anthony Gordon unless they get absolutely ridiculous money for him.”

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The Verdict: Keep at all costs

When looking at the 21-year-old’s underlying stats, it is easy to see how he so quickly became a fan-favourite at Goodsion Park.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Toffees winger ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks, the 96th percentile for tackles and the 94th percentile for pressures (via FB Ref), leading from the front with his exceptional work rate.

With such dire performances from the team last season, it was a breath of fresh air for Blues fans to see the youngster giving it his all on the pitch.

Looking at the long-term, Gordon will surely be a staple in Frank Lampard’s plans, so an exit for the player would be awfully received by everyone at the club.

Leeds United are closing in on their fourth signing of the summer transfer window as a move for Darko Gyabi edges towards completion…

What’s the word?

The Manchester City starlet is set to undergo a medical at Thorp Arch today (Friday 1st July) ahead of his switch from the Premier League champions, who are expected to sign Whites academy graduate Kalvin Phillips in the region of £45m.

That’s according to Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth in a recent column for the website.

The 18-year-old central midfielder, capped at England U18s level, is expected to cost around £5m and will soon link up for pre-season training in a bid to fight for a place in Jesse Marsch’s first team.

Marsch will see the potential

Whilst the Yorkshire side and the American head coach are losing one of their standout performers to somewhat a top-flight rival, they are getting a hugely promising talent in return.

Marsch has expertise in developing young players, largely seen during his spell at RB Salzburg, where he coached the likes of Erling Haaland, Patson Daka, Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai, Brenden Aaronson and many more.

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Therefore, the task at hand of evolving Gyabi into a future star is one which will excite the former RB Leipzig boss. In the Man City gem, he’ll be getting some player.

The teenager has become something of a stalwart for the U18s and U23s at the Etihad Campus, registering 39 appearances across the two teams since his move from Millwall in 2018.

Gyabi has been lauded as an “exceptional young player” by former Lions manager Neil Harris, as well as a “wonderful talent” by professional football coach Harry Brooks, who also claimed:

“He will have made his Premier League debut by the end of the season, I have zero doubts. If you’re building an ideal number 8 in a lab, you’d come up with something like him.”

If that turns out to be the case, then he could well be the long-term heir to Phillips’ throne in west Yorkshire, though it’ll be on Marsch to achieve such a feat, something he will undoubtedly relish.

AND in other news, “It’s understood..”: Beren Cross drops big Leeds transfer update, Victor Orta must act…

Leeds United’s move for Red Bull Salzburg midfielder is reportedly ‘imminent’ after a breakthrough in talks over the weekend.

The Lowdown: Adams and Sinisterra

Victor Orta doesn’t appear to be hanging around this week, looking to bring in more players ahead of Leeds’ pre-season trip to Australia on Sunday.

Reports have suggested that RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams and Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra are close to making the move to Elland Road.

They look set to replace Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha respectively, and it looks as if another midfielder could soon be on his way to Leeds in Camara.

The Latest: Austrian outlet shares big update

Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung provided a major update on Camara and Leeds on Sunday evening. They claimed that there was a breakthrough in talks over the weekend, with the 22-year-old agreeing a move to Elland Road.

The Whites may need to pay Salzburg a total of €35m (£30.1m) including bonuses in a deal which would be a record sale for the Austrian champions.

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The Verdict: Quiet elsewhere…

The news from Austria makes it sound like a deal is all but wrapped up, although it has been extremely quiet elsewhere from the likes of Phil Hay and Fabrizio Romano, reporters who have been on the ball across the summer when it comes to movement in Yorkshire.

The pair have both covered the interest in Adams and Sinisterra, so it will be interesting to see over the coming days if anything materialises with Camara.

There appears to have been a breakthrough in talks for the Mali international, so it could be one to watch, and who knows, perhaps both Adams and Camara will arrive to bolster Jesse Marsch’s midfield options.

Celtic have held internal talks over Argentinos Juniors midfielder Fausto Vera and updates could be imminent in the ‘coming days’, according to journalist Fraser Fletcher.

The Lowdown: Vera impresses in homeland

The 22-year-old has matured into a key player for his current side, impressing in a defensive midfield role and winning eight caps for Argentina’s Under-23s.

Vera also appeared three times for Argentina at last year’s Olympics in Japan and has clearly impressed enough to draw links with a move to Celtic in recent times, as well as other clubs.

A new update has now emerged – one that further suggests that the Hoops could look to snap up the midfielder this summer.

The Latest: Celtic eye up move

Writing on Twitter on Monday, Fletcher claimed that Celtic are holding internal discussions about signing Vera, but fans may have to wait a few days for news:

“Fausto Vera is a player Celtic are certainly aware of. He’s been discussed but I have not been told of any bids/offers as of yet. One to watch over coming days.”

The Verdict: Strong midfield addition

Midfield is an area of the pitch that still needs strengthening at Celtic this summer, with the departures of the influential Tom Rogic and Nir Bitton leaving an understandable void.

Vera could be the man to help plug that gap, coming in as a long-term acquisition who could both flourish from the off and also be around for many years in front of the defence.

The Argentine has averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game for his club in 2022, while an average of one dribble per match also shows he has ability on the ball to accompany his combative style.

Aston Villa could seal two more signings at Villa Park before the window closes on September 1st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece, who delivered an exciting Aston Villa transfer claim to supporters during an online Q&A session, having arrived in Australia for their pre-season training camp.

“I believe Johan Lange is back at base in the UK drawing up a shortlist. I’m not expecting any transfer activity this week. SG [Steven Gerrard] wants to further strengthen the engine room so I fully expect one midfielder to come in. Transfer window still has more than six weeks left to run,” he said before adding:

“I’d say two more; midfielder and possibly one more…”

Villa not done yet

It’s clear that the Midlands outfit are by no means finished with their transfer business just yet, having already signed Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and Ludwig Augustinsson, on top of the permanent arrivals of Philippe Coutinho and Robin Olsen.

Despite adding the Marseille powerhouse to Gerrard’s squad, it is interesting to see that another midfielder is among the priorities as he also has John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Morgan Sanson, Marvelous Nakamba and Jacob Ramsey at his disposal.

However, the Brazilian star has been linked with an exit in recent weeks, with Serie A champions AC Milan thought to be keen on his signature.

It’s also believed that Gerrard is after a new striker to rival Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, having been mooted with moves for Jonathan David and Mauro Icardi, among others.

With less than a month to go until the start of the new Premier League season, Lange will need to act quick to get the players in before it’s too late for them to adapt to Gerrard’s system and training.

But it is rather exciting to see that Preece is banking on the Midlands side making two more additions, so his latest claim should leave the Vila Park faithful absolutely buzzing.

It’s certainly a thrilling time to be a Villa fan right now.

AND in other news, Preece delivers Keinan Davis update…

Nottingham Forest are close to ‘completing a move’ for Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White this summer, according to journalist Ali Martin.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White a summer target

The 22-year-old shone during a loan spell at Sheffield United last season, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Wolves manager Bruno Lage.

Forest have been linked with a move for Gibbs-White this summer, with the midfielder ironically missing a key penalty in the Championship playoff semi-final shootout against the Reds back in May.

It now looks as though the Wolves man could be off to the City Ground, following a key update from an unusual source.

The Latest: Move reportedly close

Taking to Twitter, Martin, a cricket correspondent for The Guardian, claimed that Gibbs-White is on the verge of heading to Forest imminently:

“For those who like their football rumours from a cricket correspondent, hearing Forest are v close to completing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White.”

The reporter followed up by asserting it’s ‘just what I heard’, although Express and Star’s Liam Keen has claimed the rumours are wide of the mark, so it will be interesting to watch the developments on this one over the coming days.

The Verdict: Very exciting, if true

Gibbs-White is a player of immense potential, having been hailed as an ‘instrumental’ performer by Billy Sharp and a talent with the ‘world at his feet’ by David McGoldrick, so this is a very exciting update from a Forest perspective.

The youngster has great technical ability, as 12 goals and ten assists in the Championship last season prove, and he could add an injection of end product to Steve Cooper’s midfield, not to mention increasing squad depth.

At 22, Gibbs-White can grow into a top-class footballer in the right team and under the right manager – he and Forest could be a match made in heaven, getting the best out of his creative brilliance.

Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka could be tempted into joining a club like Liverpool in the summer transfer window, former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has claimed.

The Lowdown: Saka stars for Arsenal

Despite still only being 20 years of age, Saka has already become one of the first names on Arsenal’s team sheet, not to mention breaking into the England team, winning 18 caps for the Three Lions.

The winger has scored 23 goals and registered 29 assists in 131 appearances for the Gunners, being described as a potentially ‘world-class’ player by the club’s two-time league title winner Lauren.

Saka still hasn’t signed a new deal at Arsenal, with his current contract keeping him at the club until 2024, and rumours surrounding his exit have emerged this summer, with the Reds continuing to monitor his situation at the Emirates Stadium.

The Latest: Liverpool backed as potential Saka suitor

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny claimed that a move to Liverpool or Manchester City would appeal to Saka, given the two clubs’ current stature in the game and regular Champions League participation, something he hasn’t had at Arsenal.

The 44-year-old said of the England youngster:

“I think Arsenal will be going for fourth this season. I like who they have added, Jesus and Zinchenko. I just think he isn’t in a major rush to sign. If Arsenal didn’t get into the Champions League this season I wouldn’t be surprised if he is looking for a move.

“He would be looking for a move to a regular Champions League team like Liverpool or Man City, even Chelsea.

“It would have to be someone who is more or less guaranteed Champions League football. It is a tough one because he still has years left on his deal and whoever comes in will have to pay top dollar.

“He will definitely want to get out if they don’t get into the Champions League, that’s what the club will promise him.”

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The Verdict: Outstanding young prospect

Saka is arguably one of the most promising attacking young wide players in Europe, already becoming such a force in the Premier League and looking like someone who will be an integral figure for England at the World Cup later this year, having featured in the Euro 2020 final.

For that reason, he is someone who would be a wonderful signing by Liverpool, bringing with him long-term promise, technical brilliance, versatility and a strong work ethic. Also, a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in the league last season is a testament to his quality.

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Whether or not Saka wants to move right now remains to be seen, though, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sign a new deal at Arsenal and commit his future to them, given his lifelong affiliation with the club.

Everton are reportedly now in ‘pole position’ to sign Maxwel Cornet, and have already agreed personal terms.

The Lowdown: Burnley absence

Cornet was left out of the Burnley squad that won 1-0 at Huddersfield Town in the Championship opening game on Friday night, amid reports that he could follow the likes of Nick Pope and Dwight McNeil out of the doors at Turf Moor.

Hailed as ‘electric’ last season by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, the winger was a rare shining light in the Clarets team that were relegated from the Premier League, with nine goals and one assist in the division (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, now down in the Championship, he is sure to attract potential suitors in the top flight.

The Latest: Pole position

As per But! Football Club (via Sport Witness), the Goodison Park outfit are now in ‘pole position’ to sign Cornet, and have already agreed personal terms with him ahead of a potential move.

However, they have had a bid rejected from Burnley for the player, and so will have to submit an improved offer if they are to land their man.

The Verdict: No-brainer

The report claims that Cornet has a release clause of €21m (£17.6m), which would be a no-brainer to pay for someone that has shown that he can perform in the Premier League.

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With McNeil and another former Clarets teammate in James Tarkowski already at the club, the Ivory Coast international should be able to settle in very quickly on Merseyside.

Nonetheless, he has not reached his peak yet at 25 years of age, and so this is an investment that would benefit Frank Lampard’s side for years to come.

The Premier League season kicks off this weekend, and Crystal Palace have been intelligent in their recruitment throughout the summer transfer window.

Dougie Freedman has brought in Malcolm Ebiowei, Sam Johnstone, Chris Richards and Cheick Doucoure, improving every area of their playing squad.

The latter however, could strike up a fine partnership with another player being linked with a move to Selhurst Park.

It has been reported recently that the south London club are looking to re-sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek, following a successful loan spell at the club during the 2017/18 season.

With Premier League giants Chelsea open to allowing the Englishman to go out on loan again, perhaps he could recapture the form that saw him catapulted into the national team setup during his first stint with Palace.

The £150k-per-week wizard played a sparing role for the Blues last season, featuring just 24 times in the league. Although he did not score, he still earned praise for his performances from his manager Thomas Tuchel.

After Loftus-Cheek’s wonderful FA Cup semi-final performance against the Eagles, the German had the following to say:

“He was very, very strong in matches against Southampton and Real Madrid. He would have deserved to start but we expected a back four. We knew Ruben would have a big impact off the bench. I am very happy.

“He hid his talent and potential for a long time in his career. He is capable of producing performances that everyone sees on the pitch. For him it is step by step that he continues to grow in his confidence.”

To sit him beside Doucoure in Palace’s midfield could be a Patrick Vieira masterstroke, combining skill and flair with intelligence and hard work.

Last season Loftus-Cheek ranked in the top 1% for progressive carries and dribbles completed, outlining him as a creative presence that would help progress Palace up the field. At times he has been labelled “unplayable”.

Combined with Doucoure, who averaged 2.63 tackles, 2.26 interceptions, and ranked in the top 7% for progressive passes per 90, it seems that this midfield pairing could have everything to dominate in the Premier League.

Vieira should swoop to secure a romantic return for the midfielder, a form a scary partnership in the engine room to help propel them up the table.

There has been an update regarding the future of Everton starlet, Anthony Gordon…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Premier League rivals Newcastle United are preparing a £40m bid for the 21-year-old, having reportedly seen a £35m offer knocked back by the Toffees already this summer.

The report suggests that the Magpies have ‘not given up hope’ of signing the young Englishman, with manager Eddie Howe potentially set to sanction the departure of Allan Saint-Maximin in order to fund the move.

As for the Merseysiders, they have already seen Richarlison join Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently sidelined with injury, with Frank Lampard’s side already somewhat depleted with regards to forward options.

Gordon heir

That potential exit would appear a notable blow considering that Gordon had looked set to be a key figure at Goodison Park this season, starting the first two games of the campaign in a makeshift centre-forward role.

The local lad had enjoyed a real breakthrough campaign last time out, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 35 top-flight games, having forced his way into the first-team reckoning under both Lampard and his predecessor Rafa Benitez.

While he has the chance to blossom into a potential talisman for the club moving forward, it may prove difficult for the club to turn down what would be a hefty fee for a player who has made just 51 league appearances to date – particularly when they already have his possible heir lying in wait.

That potential replacement is that of 18-year-old Stanley Mills – son of defender-turned-pundit Danny Mills – with the teenager tipped to make a big impression after making his mark during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

A winger by trade, the youngster has been lauded by Lampard for his remarkable versatility, with the former England international stating that: “I think he can do wing-back, I think he can do a number eight in midfield, more central, a right-sided central midfield player, depending on how you are playing, and an aggressive right-back. He can run, every running session we are doing he’s right at the front. He can run all day.”

Also dubbed “outstanding” by U21 coach Paul Tait after netting a 54-minute hat-trick, the teenager is yet to make a first-team appearance for the club thus far, although the indication is that he could have a role to play this season, having been named on the bench in the opening two games of the Premier League season.

With Cup commitments to come, he will no doubt earn a debut sooner rather than later, although Gordon’s possible departure could speed up that process, with Lampard in need of another relentless and energetic asset in his attack should the more senior man make the switch to St James’ Park.

It would be a source of frustration to lose such a promising academy graduate to the Tynesiders, although in Mills, Everton potentially already have their next rare gem.