£70m fee, Liverpool tactic, Howe power struggle - Anthony Gordon Newcastle verdict amid unrest

Anthony Gordon is a curious case for Newcastle United followers. A player who was arguably their best last season has so far failed to shine this campaign after a summer of unrest and speculation.

Gordon was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool during the transfer window. With Newcastle's Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) issues clear for all to see, there was a suggestion they could cash in on one of their biggest assets to bail them out of a financial hole.

Liverpool were keen on the winger, whose electric performances had forced his way into the England squad for the Euros. Gordon wasn't given a proper chance to showcase his abilities on the big stage by Gareth Southgate, and whether that disappointment has lingered into this season, or he is suffering from a lack of a proper rest, or if the potential move to his boyhood club is still playing on his mind, there is no doubt he is yet to hit the heights of last term.

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The 23-year-old has come under intense scrutiny in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign - in which he has started every game for United and played 422 minutes in that time. Critics have highlighted his body language as cause for concern - and this has been heightened by his performance against Fulham in which he looked far from his best.

The Chronicle's Andrew Musgrove wrote yesterday about how important Gordon remains to the club, a new contract and how he can return to his best. And readers took to the site to give their verdict on Gordon's form, and the reasons behind it.

Here's a selection of some of the best views left by readers on the article. You can have your say in the comments section below.

Tom NYC

No doubt AG has lacked energy and drive in the last few games. Could be any number of reasons for this. Picking him out is unfair, the results have been good for the most part, but performances as a whole have been below par. Off field unrest and speculation does affect players so it needs to be sorted, pronto. AG will come good again so I don't think we need to make a drama out of this.

DukeLeblanc

If you believe what the manager said in Germany, all the players are down because of all the changes at the club over the summer. Making excuses before the season even started. Using the players as leverage to strengthen his own position in a power struggle.

In truth, it was Amanda and Eddie's irresponsible spending that lead to Gordon being dangled on a hook this summer and currently, it's Eddie who keeps playing him out of position to accommodate a more one dimensional player. How many different ways can you tell a lad that he's expendable?

Butcherbill

Gordon joined NUFC a nobody. Howe got his hooks in to him, look at the result he got picked for the England squad - ok didn't play much but more down to poor management, he is now one of the best left wingers in England if not Europe a young lad with his whole career in front of him has been made a household name and people trying to tell me his performances are down to lack of play time in Euros because a move to his boyhood club could be on the cards. If that's the case this young man needs to shake his head remember where he came from and where he is today and get on with what he loves doing and what he is very well paid to do

N Shields lad

I think he has to get his head into the right frame of mind, get stuck in getting fully fit while realizing where his bread is buttered. If he does, I think he could become a Newcastle great but it's up to him, his future is in his hands.

Bazz70

Give him whatever he wants his heads been turned with Liverpool sniffing around and has clearly affected his performances, give him more money, greed always keeps players eventually

mactoon

I said at the time that putting Gordon in the frame for a PSR fuelled transfer was a massive own goal by the club. Liverpool were always going to go public with it and the press kept it alive long after Newcastle closed the door to the transfer.

I can't imagine how Gordon feels knowing the club were willing to sell him for financial purposes but I bet all is not well in his mindset. Having said that, he is a professional and needs to get on with his job. He wasn't the only one I could criticise for the Fulham performance and I doubt rumours of battles between Howe and Mitchell are helping but the danger of complacency is rising it's ugly head and it needs sorted before the progress of the club is affected.

1Flyingmag

£70m for Gordon, not a chance. The guy needs a break, when he's on form he's the best left sided winger in the PL and one of the best in the world. He's barely had a break in 3 years, he'll come good he just needs to use the games to get his levels back up after missing most of pre season.

Motivation

Gordon is an outstanding player, he must be kept at Newcastle. He has gone through a difficult time over the summer with England. He is Newcastle's best wide left player and that is where he should play. Barnes is also a good player, but he should have to be the one who has to adjust to playing on the right. If that situation is not resolved it will not be good for Newcastle.