Virgil van Dijk knows impact Anthony Gordon can make at Liverpool as Newcastle await next move

Liverpool's conversation with Newcastle United over a possible deal that would see Anthony Gordon head to Anfield and Jarell Quansah may have been short and little more than a casual "what if?" scenario, but just because the idea was given short-shrift by the Reds, don't expect that to be the end of the Gordon to Liverpool conversation.

The Reds admire the former Everton man (and reportedly secret Liverpool fan) very highly. Why wouldn't they? Gordon has all the attributes new Liverpool manager Arne Slot is looking for in his attacking players. Direct in his approach, pace to burn out wide, terrific decision making in the final third and a player who delivers goals and assists, it's pretty obvious why Liverpool would be attracted to Gordon.

The Reds may have players such as Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo on their books, but with all due respect to the pair, neither delivered the quality or consistency that Gordon showed last season. The Newcastle player would be an upgrade for the Reds, and they know that. Liverpool's rejection of Newcastle's approach was all about what they think of Quansah, who they see as the next Virgil van Dijk.

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It was the current Liverpool captain's performance against Newcastle that went a long way to convincing Liverpool of Gordon's elite credentials. Last season's game at St James' Park against Jurgen Klopp's side is not one Newcastle fans will want to remember after Darwin's Nunez's late double flipped the game around and denied the hosts three deserved points.

Liverpool haven't forgotten it and not just for the dramatic way they won the match. Gordon terrorised the Reds that day, pouncing on Trent Alexander-Arnold to win the ball before driving to goal and slotting the ball under Alisson to score. Minutes later he was bamboozling the visitors again, his pass to Alexander Isak forcing a challenge from Van Dijk which led to him being sent off.

The Reds were shown first hand that day what Gordon can do and it's stayed with the club, who despite the rejection of a deal last week are very keen on Gordon. It's not a transfer priority for Slot and his team right now, but don't expect this one to go away anytime soon.