Newcastle United are reportedly keen to secure a deal for Everton winger Anthony Gordon before the end of the month.
Having spent over £200m during the last two transfer windows, the Magpies are yet to show their hand during January.
Instead, Eddie Howe has watched valuable squad member Chris Wood depart for Nottingham Forest, initially on a loan deal but with the obligation to buy.
When parting ways with the target man, Howe indicated that Newcastle may opt against signing a direct replacement, and it appears that the North-East outfit are in the market for more of a versatile attacker.
According to Sky Sports News, Newcastle are interested in negotiating terms for Gordon.
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Towards the latter stages of the summer, Everton received strong interest from Chelsea, which is allegedly still active, with the Blues seemingly willing to spend in excess of £50m for the England Under-21 international.
Instead, Gordon remained at Goodison Park, and although he appeared on course to replicate his influential form from 2021-22, he has been unable to maintain it.
Before Frank Lampard was sacked on Monday, the 21-year-old found himself very much in and out of the starting lineup, a consequence of his lack of return this campaign.
Gordon has not found the back of the net since October 22, while he is yet to contribute a single assist since the beginning of August.
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While there has been talk of contract negotiations occurring behind the scenes, Gordon currently has two-and-a-half years remaining on his existing terms.
That effectively leaves club officials in a position where they may have to consider a sale, dependent on what progress is made in discussions and the plans of Lampard's replacement.
The report suggests that Everton may be open to selling Gordon for £40m with it being claimed elsewhere that they need to further boost their position with FFP.
The Merseyside outfit appeared to have another creative player lined up in the form of Arnaut Danjuma, the Netherlands international having spent a period of the weekend at the club's training ground.
However, it was widely reported on Tuesday that the Villarreal winger would be joining Tottenham Hotspur on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Darren Plant
