Salah decision, Diaz departure, Gakpo dilemma - Liverpool new-look attack with Anthony Gordon

Many laughed and point-scored with their Everton counterparts when Anthony Gordon professed his admiration for Liverpool's famous stadium. But few would've expected a matter of months later that the Reds would be offered the Blues academy graduate.

The Magpies offered the 23-year-old to the Reds, who are admirers of the Everton academy product, in a ploy to balance their books ahead of Sunday's (June 30) accounting deadline. Ultimately, it was over before it began after Liverpool were unwilling to include academy graduate Jarell Quansah in the deal. As it happens, Eddie Howe's side are close to earning £33million from the sale of Yankuba Minteh as he looks to complete a medical ahead of a move to Brighton & Hove Albion.

News developed throughout the course of Saturday as the tension reached new dizzying heights over the finances at St James' Park. However, there were suggestions that the Gambian international's sale still mightn't be enough to push Newcastle clear of the danger zone and possible sanction from the Premier League next season.

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From a Liverpool perspective, Gordon is an exciting player and one that has proved something of a headache for Reds defenders in the past. During his time at Everton and more recently the North East club, he has been a tough customer - scoring for the Magpies in August but was on the losing side after Darwin Nunez's heroics.

Gordon has enjoyed a steady rise since stepping foot for his Premier League debut across Stanley Park under Carlo Ancelotti as an 18-year-old at Everton. His move to Newcastle catapulted him to new heights and into the frame for England, this week Gordon has wowed many for his performance against Slovenia but also his manner in press conferences, appealing to fans during a divisive time for the Three Lions.

At Anfield, it could be a case of finding a way that Gordon can fit into the squad. However, it is a different and new dawn for Liverpool under head coach Arne Slot. Luis Diaz has faced speculation over his future on Merseyside following reported interest from Barcelona, added to the fact that his father, Diaz Sr, has openly discussed the Colombian's affection towards the Catalonian club a possible exit often feels that it can't be ruled out.

Another burning question is could Liverpool move Cody Gakpo out to the left-hand side? The Dutchman has proved his worth and shown his quality in the position on the international stage with Ronald Koeman's Holland and Slot, undoubtedly, will notice that following his native country strive for success this summer. Jurgen Klopp often opted against deploying him in the position after choosing the former PSV Eindhoven captain as Roberto Firmino's successor.

Meanwhile, Darwin Nunez has also drifted into that channel on occasions during his two seasons at Anfield. On the other hand, Gordon's signing would be not only interesting but exciting too. The 23-year-old exudes a confidence that isn't showcased in the modern game and fans have began dreaming about the prospect of a lifelong Liverpool fan adorning the famous red again, albeit in Gordon's case he will join the group of players to cross both sides of Stanley Park.

Salah remains a stalwart in the right-side of Liverpool's attack but Gordon has played 46 games from the position scoring eight and providing five assists. Last season's injury issues for the Egyptian illustrated that he is not invincible and at times, his absence or loss of form proved detrimental for the Reds - with that they had no suitable replacement. The winger's versatility is an added positive to his qualities.

Slot professed that Liverpool will not move away from the high-pressing football that fans have become accustomed to over the last nine years. There will be tweaks and a certain blend that the title-winning manager at Feyenoord will bring but there could very well be a switch to a 4-2-3-1 in the future at Anfield, or even sticking to the traditional front three.

A move for Gordon would be another nod to the future, even though the Liverpudlian has already amassed 116 top-flight appearances, but could see varying partnerships including; Gordon-Nunez-Salah, Gordon-Jota-Salah or Gordon-Mac Allister-Salah in the attacking trio of a 4-2-3-1.

Not since Abel Xavier in 2002 has a former Everton player swapped blue for red but ultimately, unless Newcastle can budge on their valuation, the wait looks set to continue.