Newcastle and Everton are fighting over a £5million difference in their valuations of Anthony Gordon.
The 21-year-old is at the centre of a transfer saga that has turned ugly after not turning up to training three days in a row to try force Everton into selling him to Newcastle.
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The Toffees had demanded £60million – which talkSPORT host Simon Jordan branded ‘laughable’ – but that fee might have to drop considerably if Gordon is to get his wish and move to St. James’ Park this January transfer window.
Both clubs are close in their valuations, but not close enough, with a £5m difference all that is holding up an agreement.
However, neither side are willing to budge.
Transfer expert Alex Crook joined White and Jordan to offer the latest news on the deal, and revealed: “I’ve just had a message that, at the moment, the two clubs Newcastle and Everton are £5m apart in terms of fee.
“So that doesn’t seem insurmountable, although the message does go on to say that neither party is budging at this stage.
“So, there you go, hot off the press. Everton and Newcastle are £5m apart in terms of their valuation of Anthony Gordon, who really wants that move to St. James’ Park.”
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Gordon was given approved leave on Monday but then failed to return to the club on Tuesday and Wednesday, following an incident captured on video of Everton fans blocking the youngster in as he tried to leave Goodison Park after defeat to Southampton earlier this month.
The England Under-21 international has since turned up to training at Everton on Friday as the club expect to name Sean Dyche as their new manager imminently.
What that means for the winger’s prospective move remains to be seen, but time is running out for both clubs over a transfer with the window shutting on Tuesday night.
It means that if a deal cannot be agreed, Newcastle are short on time on finding an alternative target, while if a transfer does go through, Everton have it tough finding a suitable replacement.
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The Goodison Park outfit have struggled this year in the Premier League and sacked Frank Lampard earlier this month with the club sitting 19th in the table.
While they remain just two points from safety, the Toffees have been in freefall having won just once in their last 14 matches.
Meanwhile, incoming boss Dyche has been told by Arsenal legend Martin Keown that a ready-made replacement for Gordon is ready to be snapped up in West Ham striker Michail Antonio.
