Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has revealed that he was "desperate" to join Chelsea in 2022.
In almost two years at St James' Park, Gordon has established himself as one of the most important players in the Magpies first-team squad.
A total of 15 goals and 12 assists have been contributed during his 77 appearances in all competitions, with that return also ensuring he has become a regular in the England squad.
However, Gordon's career-path could have been different had Everton not rejected an approach from Chelsea back in the 2022 summer transfer window.
The Merseyside outfit turned down an offer in the region of £45m for the playmaker, instead choosing to bide their time before eventually selling to Newcastle for a fee that could eventually reach £60m at the start of 2023.
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"It was quite close"
At the time, there was an awareness that Everton had to cash in on players in order to ease their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Nevertheless, they opted to fend off Chelsea's interest in a move that disappointed Gordon at the time. The failed transfer is now particularly relevant due to Thomas Tuchel - now England manager - being the head coach of the Blues before his departure in September of that year.
Speaking at a press conference, the 23-year-old said: "It was quite close to be honest. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him (Tuchel) especially.
"I felt like my style would suit his style of play - the way he was playing at Chelsea was very exciting for me.
"It was a big opportunity for me that didn't end up happening and I'm looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later."
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Should Gordon expect to start for England?
The fact that Tuchel would have gotten behind a big-money move for Gordon suggests that he is an admirer of his style of play.
However, Gordon is yet to replicate his club form on the international scene, failing to provide a goal or assist in seven appearances.
He could plausibly get a chance to stake his claim for a regular spot under Tuchel when the Three Lions face Greece in a pivotal UEFA Nations League fixture on Thursday night.
Gordon was left on the substitutes' bench for the following game in Finland, suggesting he has more work ahead to convince interim boss Lee Carsley to place faith in him for the upcoming double-header, the second game coming versus Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Darren Plant
