I'm shocked Anthony Gordon exit talk didn't emerge sooner - but Newcastle transfer stance clear

We've had Alexander Isak touted with Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes linked with Paris Saint-Germain & Manchester City. Honestly, I'm surprised it has taken this long for Anthony Gordon to also be tipped with a move away from Newcastle United.

The winger, 23, has taken the Premier League by storm this season, helping himself to 10 goals and 10 assists in the top flight as he laid down a marker ahead of this summer's European Championships. As such, his Newcastle stock, importance and price tag has risen exponentially in recent months.

The first ludicrous rumour regarding a potential Gordon exit subsequently emerged over the weekend, with the former Merseyside star linked with a return to the north west. However, instead of a return to boyhood club Everton, it is rivals Liverpool tipped to launch a £100m bid for his services.

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The Reds are set for a summer of transition as Jurgen Klopp bids farewell, Arne Slot arrives and Mohamed Salah decides whether to stay put or seek a new challenge. Should the Egyptian depart, you can see why Gordon would be high on the list of potential replacements.

There is but one small problem. Newcastle have no interest in selling their key man this summer, while the player also seems extremely comfortable and settled in the north east. "I've never come to a stadium where I get the feeling of pure joy," the forward told NUFC TV just last weekend.

"Every time I pull up to the stadium or even if I'm just driving past, it brings me joy. I absolutely love this place."

There has long been speculation surrounding Gordon's affiliation back home. Despite playing in the blue half of Merseyside for almost 20 years, rumours have often circulated as to whether the youngster actually supported Liverpool growing up. That speculation would only have grown when Gordon admitted Anfield legend Steven Gerrard was his footballing idol in a recent interview with Gary Neville.

Yet last year, fresh into his Newcastle career, Gordon admitted securing Champions League football would feel even sweeter should Liverpool miss out. Honest words or force of habit to someone who has plied their trade for Everton for so many years?

In truth, it matters little. Liverpool can try their luck this summer, if they please, but will be met with a stubborn Newcastle, who are in no mood to sell their best and brightest talent.

Eddie Howe has continuously stressed Isak and Guimaraes are not for sale. The former has held contract talks in recent weeks, while the latter signed a new deal on Tyneside earlier this season. As for Gordon, it is clear the Newcastle boss will fight equally hard to ensure he stays put too.

The failure to qualify for the Champions League naturally brings questions surrounding the futures of key Newcastle stars - but it would be a huge shock should Gordon not be lining up in black and white next season.