‘An idea’ - Fabrizio Romano delivers intriguing update on Newcastle United and Liverpool transfer links

As the time ticked by for Newcastle United to solve their finances and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, a potential transfer involving the Magpies, Liverpool and Gordon became a possibility. Gordon, who enjoyed a brilliant season at St James’ Park last year, was linked with a return to Merseyside to link-up with new Reds boss Arne Slot.

That deal would have seen Gordon move to Liverpool with a proposal that defender Jarell Quansah would move in the opposite direction. As seen on numerous occasions already this summer, those would have been two separate deals, rather than a swap plus money.

However, the sales of Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest alleviated the stress on their finances and allowed them to comply with PSR and avoid a points deduction. After such an impressive first full season in the north east, losing Gordon would have been a bitter blow, particularly if they had lost him to a Liverpool side they will likely be battling with for European qualification next season.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that whilst Liverpool were interested in signing the 23-year-old, a move to Anfield was not very close to completion. He said: “What I’m told is the deal was never really close between Liverpool and Newcastle.

“They had a conversation. They had an exchange about the possibility, but the price tag was way too high for Liverpool to make things happen.

“A swap deal was also really complicated as Liverpool didn’t want to lose some of their best players. So, it was an idea, it was a conversation but it was never something really close.

“The player was over the moon – the player was keen on joining Liverpool. But at the end between the two clubs, like Alexander Isak with Chelsea, it was never something really concrete.”

Gordon is currently preparing for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland, one that could see him come up against club teammate Fabian Schar. Despite impressing for his club, Gordon has been afforded just a brief cameo against Slovenia so far by Gareth Southgate.