Newcastle are hoping to seal the Anthony Gordon signing in the coming days – but Eddie Howe may have to allow a Magpies star to leave for Goodison Park as part of the final agreement.
The Toffees star looks destined to move to Tyneside after making clear his wish to leave. Having missed training for three days running at Everton this week, the 21-year-old has now seemingly been cleared to make the switch.
And while Everton are seeking as much as £60m for their homegrown star, a trusted reporter has revealed the final fee will likely be for significantly less.
However, it seems that Everton are already planning for life after Gordon after clearing the way for him to leave. His performances have not matched the high standards he set himself last season.
Nonetheless, the loss of one of their biggest players at this crucial stage of the season will come as a significant blow. The Toffees are currently 19th in the Premier League table and face Arsenal and Liverpool in their next two games.
As such, there is an awful lof of work for manager-in-waiting Sean Dyche to do. And while his appointment has not yet been rubberstamped, they can expect that to go through shortly.
And the most immediate priorities for Dyche will be to strengthen his squad as best he can with the window due to close on Tuesday, 11pm.
His first priority appears to be a new striker – and a report on Friday has outlined their plans to snare a 12-goal Championship striker.
However, before that move takes place, it is likely that Everton will need to move Gordon on first.
Everton to ask for Newcastle star as part of Anthony Gordon deal
To help grease the wheels over the Gordon transfer, a report claims Everton are asking for a Newcastle player to move the other way.
And, according to 90min, the subject of Everton’s attention is Scottish winger Ryan Fraser.
The 28-year-old has struggled for minutes under Howe at Newcastle this season, making just eight appearances in the Premier League. Only three of those have been starts, suggesting the Scotland winger is a long way down the Newcastle pecking order.
And according to the report, Fraser has been told he is free to leave this month if an attractive offer comes in.
As such, it seems Dyche is looking to bring Fraser to Goodison Park before the January window slams shut.
He will likely move in a deal separate to the one that takes Gordon to Tyneside.
But the Scot does appear destined to switch to Goodison in the coming days to give Everton a much-needed lift.
He would essentially fill the void left by Gordon in the Toffees attack. Capable of playing off either wing, Fraser has made 59 appearances for the Magpies scoring three times.
While not a prolific scorer, he is a player who gives his all. And that energy and commitment would be welcome for Everton as they seek to find the results needed to pull clear of relegation.
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