- Eddie Howe asked about transfer speculation in Friday press conference
- Anthony Gordon linked with move to Bayern Munich and Arsenal
- Magpies reportedly want £83m to green light transfer
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was quizzed about a potential summer transfer for forward Anthony Gordon after the England international was linked with a move away from Tyneside this week.
The Telegraph reported that the 25-year-old ‘wants to leave’ St James’ Park come the end of the campaign with the belief that he has outgrown the project on Tyneside.
Gordon joined Newcastle from Everton for £45 million in January 2023 and has gone on to register 39 goals and 28 assists in 152 outings. The winger has 10 goals in 12 Champions League outings this season, but has netted just six in 26 league fixtures.
Eddie Howe confronts Anthony Gordon transfer speculation
The Telegraph report had added that the club is ‘braced for bids’ and aware that Gordon would be keen to finalise a new destination prior to the World Cup.
When asked to speak on those reports on Friday, Howe said: “I discuss things with players all the time. I don’t discuss transfer speculation unless it gets to a point I have to. One thing I will not do I will not play any player I don’t think is 100% committed to the club. I’m not talking about Anthony there, I am talking across the board.”
Arsenal and Bayern Munich learn Newcastle United asking price
There had been talk of growing interest from Bayern Munich in the player’s services this week with Arsenal also holding ‘long-standing admiration’ for the former Everton man. Liverpool also came close to signing Gordon in the summer of 2024.
On Friday, transfer specialist Sebastien Vidal shared an update that the club would be looking for £83 million to sanction a sale, which is above the £80 million first reported.
In his press conference, Howe was asked if transfer speculation could be a distraction for his players. He said: “I don’t want to use that as an excuse. Players of the high profile we have here are in the news all the time. You have to adapt to it and play to your best level with the noise around you.
“I don’t think any player can use that as an excuse and certainly the lads know collectively we need to play better and that is what we will be trying to do.”
In other news, Newcastle United release Bruno Guimaraes injury update ahead of Bournemouth.
