Newcastle United have reportedly been left in a position where they have concerns over the mindset of one of their key players.
Not helped by failing to qualify for Europe, the Magpies have just embarked on a desperate attempt to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
The sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh for a combined total fee of more than £65m appears to have ensured that they have achieved that target.
However, at times over the past week, several of their more important players have been linked with an exit from St James' Park as club officials began to panic that they may face a points deduction down the line.
Chelsea were allegedly in discussions over a surprise move for Alexander Isak, although that potential deal - which would have been in excess of £100m - never came close to fruition.
There was another involving Anthony Gordon possibly moving to Liverpool, with Jarell Quansah going in the other direction, but the Merseyside giants were not prepared to allow the defender to move in the opposite direction.
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Gordon has 'head turned' by Liverpool opportunity
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have been left in a vulnerable position with regards to the England international.
The former Everton winger - who was a boyhood Liverpool fan - is said to have had his 'head turned' by the prospect of returning to the area and representing the Reds.
As per the report, a transfer to Liverpool would have represented the 23-year-old's dream move, but Liverpool did not come close to meeting his asking price.
While Gordon is currently on international duty with England, he was hopeful of finalising a transfer once he returned from Germany, even though that would come after the PSR deadline for the latest accounts.
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What happens now?
Newcastle will insist that it remains business as usual now that they have achieved their short-term target of getting on the right side of the financial regulations.
Meanwhile, Liverpool may only reignite any interest should they sell one of their current attacking crop, with the future of Mohamed Salah still up in the air.
Where Newcastle are not in a strong position is Gordon's contract status, a result of only handing him a three-and-a-half-year deal when signing him in January 2023.
Although they can get away with not cashing in during the summer transfer window, the North East outfit will only attract further interest in the future for a player who has contributed 13 goals and 11 assists from 64 outings in all competitions.
